LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



ip. .^.rHlopijttgift t*< 
Shelf.-L.-2r.... 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



NATURE'S HARMONY. 



BY 



FRANCIS D. LACY. 







NEW YOKK: 

THE TRUTH SEEKER PUBLISHING HOUSE. 

21 Clinton Place. 



BU 



58 



Copyright, 1883, by Francis D. Lacy. 



TO THE PUBLIC. 

This is an age when, substantial facts are called for, 
and the field of dogmatic speculation no longer has 
any charm for well cultured minds. 

The limits of man's intellectual range are broader 
to-day than ever before, yet are very narrow when 
compared with the illimitable fields for research that 
he may never be able to explore; and the higher he 
ascends in the scale of wisdom the more easily he 
discerns how unfathomable the ocean of knowledge 
and how incapable his mentality for ever measuring 
it. But the world is in a state of progression, and 

While generations thus succeed from infancy to age, 

Each stamps its history on each leaf in lines from page to page; 

And as the wheel of progress rolls from earth's primeval state, 

Through all the changes undergone down to this present date, 

The fields of earth assume by far a more exalted phase, 

And man aspires to moral worth and seeks more godly ways. 

All animated nature shows the progress of its kind, 

In physical perfection wrought, likewise in power of mind 

And vegetation, too, assumes a far more high degree 

Than did it in those early days, we evidently see ; 

For in comparison with mind our very food is made 

More pure for each existing kind to render progress aid. 

The fruits on which we now regale in luscious flaior show 

Developments which ne'er were known five hundred years ago. 

Unto the surface of the earth imbedded riches rise, 

And to the increase of all life comes forth increased supplies ; 

And man is mightLr by far than in the ancient past, 

For nature in her progress saves the best until the last. 

Therefore the times demand intellectual food of 
rich and substantial character, as well as that which 



4 PKEFACE. 

is new and agreeably seasoned, and I hav earnestly 
labored in preparing this volume to meet the requi- 
sitions of the times. However I fully realize and 
willingly acknowledge my inability of presenting to 
3 T ou a work as well polished and skilfully written upon 
this subject as the world rightfully demands. 

I hav watched for many years the groveling igno- 
rance and unrestrained promulgation of religious 
bondage, embodying what appear to me the grossest 
delusions and vilest superstitions that man in his de- 
pravity could conjecture, and in opposition to this 
hav beheld a power as far off of its fulcrum, leaning 
the other way, earnestly endeavoring to hold society 
on a balance, and now after having carefully weighed 
the pro and con by many years of diligent study I 
hav resolved to present to the world a natural religion 
based upon moral principles and scientific facts. 

In this theory we acknowledge that an infinit in- 
tellectuality pervades the universe and controls all 
things, but in conceding to this must sustain that the 
universal intelligence acts only with consistent prin- 
ciples of natural law; making all of the evolutions 
subject to the conditions "that the means must be 
equivalent to the end." Such divinity, you will read- 
ily see, characterizes the highest attributes, and at 
the same time leaves no particle of knowledge to man 
that such an intelligence pervades. 

You will also discern from the title that I accept 
the doctrin of a future existence, or, in other words, 
a perpetuation of consciousness, into a new sphere, 
to where it is literally born, carrying with it a tangi- 
ble physical body, for further developments. This 
theory I advocate, not as a matter of faith, but as the 
solution of a problem upon the basis of scientific in- 



PREFACE. O 

vestigation, and though it may be difficult to estab- 
lish this fact in the minds of others, we hope at least 
to impress the minds of many with the merits of it. 

For many years I neither believed in a supreme 
intelligence or a future state, but in studying upon 
the subject constantly, reasoning only from natural 
law, at last I felt an assurance that the problem was 
solved, and since that time I often hav wondered 
why all others hav not beheld the subject in the 
same light. 

When the new theory first flashed across my mind 
I felt that the world had changed from an illusion to 
a reality, and I not only felt an uneasiness, but a duty 
to present it to the public. I hav endeavored to do 
so in my rough way, and should it prove to my read- 
ers the consolation and sublimity of thought and 
feeling that I realize, then I shall hav accomplished 
my object. 

I hav found it impossible to use in this work the 
technicalities acceptable to my scientific friends; and 
the bungling manner in which I hav presented these 
facts is not so much a frailty on my own part as a 
necessity in order to meet the wants of the people. 

With no vivid expectation of controling more than 
a moderate patronage for the sale of this work, I 
await with ardent hopes that some more able author 
will perfect it, and in a more polished manner offer 
it to the public. 

With many thanks to my readers, I would most 
respectfully subscribe 

Yours for moral virtue and intellectual develop- 
ment, Francis D, Lacy, 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. 



Since planets exist for the satisfaction of intel- 
lectuality, the inference is that without mind there 
would need be no such principle as matter. Both, 
in nature, are absolute necessities, nor will we be 
partial as to which is the dominant principle, since 
either alone is a cipher, while both, united, are a uni- 
verse. 

Since from nothing nothing arises, while from 
something something must forever exist, it is evi- 
dent that nothing tangible was ever created, and 
in no way can ever be ultimately lost. If all mat- 
ter is self-existent, then all the qualities that it car- 
ries with it must be self-existent, also, and whatever 
form material may assume, the results of evolution 
call for all the principles and forces necessary to 
correspond with the developments. "When we con- 
sider the planets in a state of formation as having 
been evolved from a condition of nebular or gaseous 
fluid, the harmonious order in which they are gov- 
erned indicates that a principle of intellectuality has 
pervaded and is still controling the operations of all 
nature. 

The conditions attending one planet in its for- 
mation are equivalent to those attending all others 
in like stages of development. Our world is a 
sample planet, from which data we reason, and 
the elements, species, varieties, principles, tempera- 



nature's harmony. 

tures, climates, habits of animals, and even the 
enterprises of man in this world, are representativ 
of those in any other at a similar period of its de- 
velopment. 

Man, the highest order of animated nature here, 
is doubtless the highest order in any other world 
where the conditions of development are adapted 
for the existence of man, and his intellectual excel- 
lences depend upon the natural progress of the earth 
in her development. Doubtless the highest intel- 
lectual abilities of man existed once nearer the poles 
or in a higher latitude than now; but at the present 
time, what intellectuality lies between the thirty- 
seventh and forty-eighth degrees, north and south 
latitudes, is worth more than five times the human 
intelligence of nil the rest of the world. But ten 
thousand years hence (not doubting but the earth 
will stand ten times ten thousand years) the highest 
intelligence will exist nearer the equator, as by that 
time the climate at this latitude will be much colder 
than now. 

The rigor of cold climates impedes the progress of 
enterprise, while the hot climates nurse man in his 
indolence. "Necessity, the mother of invention," 
spurs man to enterprise where the conditions best 
afibrd the opportunities for him to pursue. 

The theory that those planets furthest from the 
sun are necessarily colder is not at all reasonable. 
All require the same temperatures in the progress 
of their developments. The principle caloric is 
existent in the planet's own body, while the light 
received and heat absorbed by a heavenly body is 
as much enhanced by magnitude as detracted by 
distance, hence the larger planets, and least devel- 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. V 

oped ones, in the economy of nature, are furthest 
from the sun. 

The absence of caloric is indicativ of a planet's 
death. The moon originating at the same period as 
the earth, and being about forty-nine times smaller, 
without doubt has developed to her maturity, and 
is now expiring with old age. The heated volume 
being less than that of the earth, it required pro- 
portionately less time to cool; and now while ice- 
bergs surround her surface, her sister, earth, pre- 
sents an appearance of her most fascinating bloom 
The moon is now held subservient to our use, giving 
light by night, creating various essential effects 
upon the earth, and acting as a balance-wheel, 
equalizing the motion of the earth in her diurnal and 
annual revolutions. 

The asteroids, now in formation, indicate a vast 
quantity of nebulous fluid between Mars and Jupiter, 
which the attractiv force of neither was sufficient to 
collect. These small planets increase in size by 
receiving through their attractiv forces the gaseous 
substance surrounding them. The attractiv force of 
each will rarefy the condition of the gaseous mate- 
rial surrounding, so that in each succeeding century 
each will receive proportionately less substance from 
meteoric showers and gradual accumulation. Some 
of the asteroids will doubtless eventually collide, 
owing to the close proximity of their orbits, forming 
a single planet of respectable dimensions, where now 
are several of these comparativly small bodies. 

As the internal heat subsides fastest where a 
planet's diurnal motion is least, there is where vege- 
tation first germinates, and there, from the exceed- 
ing cold, is where it first ceases to grow. And thus 



10 nature's harmony. 

as the internal heat subsides, the surface grows 
colder, until earth, like the moon, will die. And 
such, eventually, will be the fate of all the planets 
in existence, and each in succession will be swallowed 
in as food for the sun. 

Thus the sun is supported, while in exchange he is 
throwing out over the regions of his dominions the 
refined and subtil fluid in the way of light for the 
formation of a new generation of planets. Thus 
formation, progression, maturity, and destruction by 
evolution is the grand order of nature. 

The atmosphere grows rarefied, and the earth, 
with stifled breath, from lack of surface, heat, and 
force, grows paralyzed in death; and as a cold, re- 
flectiv ball in death-like paleness run, and every 
revolution made crowds nearer to the sun; till when 
five million times or more she circles in her course, 
into the sun's deep, molten heat will plunge with 
awful force. Nor in suspense need we await to 
shun that awful day. The age of man unto the 
world flies rapidly away; and we shall pass a thou- 
sand spheres as transient as this one, and nature's 
clock shall never tire, but grandly onward run. 

As has been stated, when the planets hav reached 
their highest degree of perfection and accomplished 
all the material that is in them will allow, nature 
will then work them over and use the material for 
new worlds. Hence the process that the earth is 
now undergoing. 

The outer crust, from age to age, doth deeper 
downward lead, and from the surface of the earth 
the water doth recede; and many ports along the 
shore shall be of no avail, and roads upon the earth 
be trod where ships on water sail; and many fair 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. 11 

and fertil fields we worthless or accursed, and famin 
rage, and man and beast die hungered and of thirst; 
and even where the torrid band doth circle earth 
around, no vegetation there shall spring or animals 
abound. 

I would further state : That for some purpose the 
universe exists, and to that purpose all materiality is 
appropriated. The problem of the origin we shall 
leave for the unsophisticated to cavil upon, since it 
is sufficient for us to deal with matter as we find it, 
accepting both the spiritual and the material as being 
but one, and that self-existent and eternal. For the 
present we shall endeavor to consider some of the 
formations, evolutions, and general developments 
achieved by nature, and from the result of our con- 
clusions see what inference is shown for the existence 
of a pervading intellectuality. 

First. Since the spirit of nature abhors idleness, 
action is the order of the universe. Every animated 
being or particle of material is forever seeking its 
equilibrium, while the elements throughout the uni- 
verse are kept in a continual state of agitation and 
warfare. Every creature or insect of life, from the 
greatest magnitude to the infinitesimal, livs in view 
of but one object — self-preservation ! But not a 
creature among the innumerable species, not man ex- 
cepted, while fulfilling his selfish mission, is able to 
understand in the aggregate the grand work he is 
accomplishing for nature, and why he fills a place in 
the great ocean of life. This principle of self-preser- 
vation is a stimulant, creating activ life, which if 
denied to animation would also debar all inheritance 
of intellectuality, making all nature a blank. 

An individual bee at work in the hive seeks only 



12 nature's harmoky. 

its natural requirements, but guided by a principle 
of intelligence, unknown to itself, it works in unison 
with others in the colony, and how grand is the re- 
sult in the aggregate ! The coral insect, though but 
a minute creature of life, in seeking self-preservation 
iabors with the millions of its kind, and though its 
life is but momentary, note how from year to year, 
and century to century, they continue diligently at 
their colossal works. In this way the coral reefs, 
from a carbonate of lime deposit, hav been reared 
along the Florida coast, and islands of considerable 
extent hav been formed in defiance to the dashing- 
waters of the ocean, by the long-continued diligence 
of tnese short-lived little insects. "Whence the intel- 
lectuality that guides these instinctiv natures to ac- 
complish so much in the world's development? 

But here it would not be out of order to state that 
these minute creatures occupy a more extensiv range 
than doubtless has generally been supposed; and 
perhaps all the various operations of chemical affin- 
ity might reasonably be ascribed to the labor of in- 
finitesimal insects unknown to the eye of man. In 
relation to this, however, I would say that of late we 
hav made some extensiv and interesting microscopic 
observations, and that the public may hav some of the 
benefits of our researches we will extend an idea, 
truthful to the letter, however fictitious it may ap- 
pear to some of our readers. In presenting this 
idea it would only be philosophic to state that all 
the material in the universe is composed of particles 
or atoms. But in seeking to find these ultimate par- 
ticles with the most powerful lens, we fail to reach 
them, but we find our way, in whatever material we 
select, lined and blockaded with innumerable ani- 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. 13 

malcules, from those of the larger sizes to the most 
minute infinitesimals, then blending into what ap- 
pears a continued mass of infinitly small animated 
creatures or insects. These observations were taken 
under the most favorable circumstances, and my 
companion asserted that in all reason all the ulti- 
mate atoms were virtually animated identities. It 
is certain, as far as our demonstrations could go, we 
found nothing else, and the inference was strong in 
favor of his conclusion. But it is difficult to get the 
faintest idea of the ultimatum from all we can get 
in a microscopic view. The comparison would be 
like unto pumpkins, potatoes, and mustard-seed, 
mixed in one grand batch. The pumpkins we can 
see, the potatoes guess at, and the mustard-seed we 
shall never know anything about. The latter pro- 
portionately would be like magnifying a particle of 
sunlight, and that is too delicate for me, hence I will 
stop as others hav done, where nature proclaims, 
"So far shalt thou go and no farther." 
Tis ours to fancy but not understand 
A world of beings on a grain of sand, 
And doubtless some there seeking to explore 
A mammoth cave or some far distant shore. 
'Tis ours to view ten thousand orbs afar, 
And state the distance to the dimmest star ; 
Survey the planets, weigh them, and control, 
But not to analyze the human soul. 

The foregoing we hav presented in order that the 
mind of the reader may fully realize the infinit 
minuteness of the particles of all material substance, 
and also that the largest things in the universe are 
productions of actual growth, the composition of 
which is a multiplication of infinitesimal atoms, the 
existence of which is known, yet beyond the power 



14 nature's harmony. 

of man to find. Again, in showing the worlds 
beneath us, and the worlds above us, it is our object 
to impress this principle upon the mind: that mag- 
nitude can only be considered in comparison to the 
mind that considers it. The sphere in which man 
acts makes things around him appear of certain 
dimensions, and distance also proportionately corre- 
sponds with his nature. But what do the thousands 
of animalcules, living and sporting in their boundless 
ocean, the aqueous fluid of a person's eye, know of 
the infinitude of space outside ? Or, in the way of 
illustration, what if the earth were an intellectual be- 
ing (which in my judgment it is) and we but parasites, 
digging and biting and frolicking upon her back, 
with what insignificance would we be regarded by 
such an immense being, and what more would she 
know of us than we of the little creatures beneath 
the ability of our eyes to discern ? And again, time 
or duration is a principle in its nature never varying, 
yet adapted to the appreciation of any existence of 
thought, proportionate to the sphere and requisi- 
tions such existence or being demands. To the 
minute insect, whose lifetime is but for an instant, to 
the realization of its identity, it may appear an age, 
while the duration of our lifetime to a planetary be- 
ing might be regarded as a second of time is real- 
ized by us. 

In the formation and development of planets and 
solar systems it is a process requiring great duration, 
but it is hardly possible that all the planets in any 
solar system ever originated at once, but are born, 
develop, mature, and perish, one by one, analogous 
to the origin and growth of the species, and thus 
from generation to generation are perpetuated. It 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. 15 

is doubtless a fact that tlie space occupied by our 
solar region around and between the planets in a 
state of development contains a sufficient amount of 
gaseous fluid to compose as many more heavenly 
bodies as are now flying in their elliptical orbits 
around the sun, but in order to perpetuate the exist- 
ence of this great family it is essential that new 
generations should gradually arise to take the place 
of the older planets which are continually passing 
away; consequently it is absolutely necessary that 
nature should keep in reserve a sufficient quantity of 
rarefied material to answer the requirements. It 
might be questioned where the worn-out, or rather 
the dead, planets go when no longer useful for nature s 
purpose. We would answer in all reason that they 
go to the great source from which the material of 
their composition was radiated, the sun, in accordance 
with the law of nature's just compensation, for 
obviously the labor assigned for the sun to perform 
is to supply the solar space with the new and refined 
material for the sustenance of the old planets and 
the formation of new, consequently planets as they 
are developing continue to run in their orbits, but at 
every circuit made arrive a little nearer to one of 
nature's great heavenly tombs. The progress is slow 
but sure, and it is only a matter of time when each 
in turn shall be swallowed in as food for the sun. 

In the formation of new planets these little chil- 
dren of the solar system are subject to many misfor- 
tunes. Often it occurs that a nucleus commences in 
such close proximity to some partially developed 
planet that the attractiv force of the greater body 
receives the lesser at a very early stage of its exist- 
ence. Specimens of this kind frequently come to 



16 nature's harmony. 

the earth in the form of meteoric showers, or in a 
more dense condition of stone. Perhaps there are 
many of these infant formations in the limits of this 
solar system at the present time, and yet possibly 
not one out of ten thousand will ever develop. In 
the progress of a planet's growth no doubt many burst 
in the heavens and resolve back into their former 
condition of nebular fluid, while others more nearly 
developed are subject to the most terrible volcanic 
eruptions and convulsiv commotions that the mind is 
able to conceive. The earth shows signs of such in 
every mountain range on her surface, and still she 
belches forth her fire and smoke from time to time 
from her numerous volcanoes. 

Upon the principles of philosophy no planetary 
nucleus can form and develop except where in the 
economy of nature it will be needed in the heavens 
to assist in keeping order and harmony. It is plain 
to understand that in the formation of a heavenly 
body, it would receive all the material adjacently sur- 
rounding that its attractiv force is capable of collect- 
ing, and its attractiv force is increasing in proportion 
to its volume and weight. Hence any density in the 
heavens, aside from the planets, must be sufficiently 
foreign from them to justify an amount of material 
adequate to build up a body large enough for practi- 
cal utility to nature, else the work will be counted 
among the buds that never blossom; for nature 
never works without a purpose, and this is one of 
the reasons why we infer that intellectuality rules the 
universe. 

Say, whence that nature's wondrous power her first projectil 
hurled, 



PLANETARY DEVELOPMENT. 17 

Or where in broad eternity shall land each rolling world? 
Or further to infinitude probe with thy wondering soul, 
Seek intellectual origin, or trace it to its goal ? 

For what the sable vaults of sky, where worlds unnum- 
bered run, 
And why through space so swiftly fly, encircling their sun ? 
What is the object thus attained, as years like lightning speed, 
And what the ultimatum growth of nature's primal seed? 

Dost through this awful realm of space, and in these worlds 

that roll, 
Pervade supreme intelligence all nature to control ? 
And does this same eternal power scorn atoms ne'er so fine, 
Or otherwise sublimely rule with master hand divine ? 

"Why do these worlds from atoms spring ? From what con- 

troling force ? 
For what the purpose they exist? "What destiny their 

course ? 
Why through these vast celestial fields do stars in luster 

shine, 
And by pulsations waft their light along their glittering 

line? 

Do worlds by billions roll beyond the reach of mortal sight, 
Devoid of all intelligence, yet robed with rays of light? 
Do they exist, yet unapplied for intellectual use ? 
Is nature's grand economy thus squandered in abuse ? 

Oh, no; the object of these worlds most clearly is defined; 
From them arise organic life, and likewise thinking mind. 
The forces operating through the elements of earth 
Create the evolutions giving animation birth. 

A world without the principles of intellectual force 
Would be a blank, unguided mass, and useless in its course. 
But in this great economy such planet could not roll, 
Nor be developed into space without the inner soul. 



18 natube's harmony. 

A mind without a body at the origin would show 

That substance were not needed whereby other minds miglit 

grow, 
Proving matter is eternal, self -existent, ever young, 
And as rich, wise, strong, and weighty as when "morning 

stars first sung." 

Say not that man is royal, then, in intellectual sway, 
Since but a speck of vital force thus groveling on his way, 
And but a product of the earth engendered by the sun, 
Which, like a bubble, vanishes and evermore is gone. 



PKOGKESS OF INTELLECTUAL DEVELOP- 
MENT. 

Everything in the universe is essential to fill its 
place, and by nature adapted to do so. The laws 
governing materiality operate from causes to effects, 
and the effects, conjoining, act as causes for other 
effects still to follow. Through these principles, all 
action, change, or evolution is produced, nor are any 
of the results occurring subject to either accident or 
mistake, but through absolute necessity each cause 
or missil sent strikes with definit precision, every 
point producing results m the line of its destiny. 
Consequently nothing had the power of creating 
itself, but everything was forced to exist, and is 
wholly passiv to the natural principles controling it. 
Natural laws are inherent with materiality, self- 
existent and eternal, but in the absence of material 
substance would be non-existent; for they only per- 
vade whereby to control matter, and no laws would 
be required were there no matter to control. 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 19 

That matter is the production of mind is evidently 
illusiv, for how mind could exist without matter 
is incomprehensible, and out of the order of both 
nature and reason. If any conceivable mind could 
possess creativ power, then absolutely it must con- 
tain all the possibilities of what it could create; 
therefore, as the means are adequate to the end, this 
also comes under the law of cause and effect, conse- 
quently there lies no miracle. Hence the axiom that 
something cannot be produced from nothing, nor the 
tangible ever be rendered extinct. 

The idea of mind existing without matter dispenses 
with the necessity of matter ever existing. Even 
though an infinit intellectuality, with all the imag- 
inary supreme attributes, could exist from all eter- 
nity, and pervade throughout illimitable space devoid 
of all materiality, we must naturally question what 
did it exist for, and why the necessity of manufac- 
turing worlds ? Could not a finite mind get along as 
well without a body as an infinit one? Then sing: 

Mind and matter dwell together; without either 
can be neither; both possess their power in one. 
Ever changing, never failing; ever using, never los- 
ing; neither can exist alone. From eternity behind 
us to eternity ahead, throughout wondrous evolu- 
tions, mind and matter onward tread. From the 
world sublimely rolling through immensity of space, 
down to atoms 'neath our vision, grandly onward is 
the race. From beyond the orbs that twinkle to 
minute worlds 'neath our sight, on the business runs 
in order, mind and matter still unite. Without ne 
wherefore the other? What is substance without 
thought? Worlds unnumbered, known to nothing, 
are equivalent to nought. Wherefore thought o'er 



20 nature's harmony. 

nought to labor ? What accomplishments are made ? 
What a barren, idle heaven, without elements for aid. 

Changing the form does not affect the quantity, 
nor destroy any of the principles that matter pos- 
sesses. Could the universe hav been weighed a bill- 
ion of years ago, and again at the present time, the 
difference wou]d not "stir the scale or rock the 
beam," nor since that time would any of the princi- 
ples hav been lost. 

Everything is in a state of growth, yet nature in 
the aggregate never progresses or retrogrades; yet 
development borders closely on destruction, and the 
building up of one thing is equivalent to the tearing 
down of another; therefore, dissolution is but reor- 
ganization. The course of nature is origin, develop- 
ment, and decay; hence birth is but a token that 
death is to follow; yet the dead, to nature, are worth 
just as much as the living. Then sing: 

Crowd on, thou restless forces of infinity sublime, 
and bear, from all eternity to never-ending time, the 
self-existent principles that never can astray, in all 
this endless ocean while evolving on their way. To 
that which through development surrenders up and 
dies, shall be applied new forces, and the same again 
shall rise; nor smallest of identities be unto nature 
lost, for could the least be stricken out, so likewise 
might the most. 

But in the sense of organization, that which had 
its origin must hav its end, else all the evolutions of 
nature would at once be at a standstill. For illus- 
tration : if the cosmogony of worlds ever took place, 
which is scarcely a question, then their destruction 
is certain, for the principles that evolve are identi- 
cally the same that destroy. 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 21 

To contemplate the fact that all the densities 
within our observation, and all existing in the in- 
numerable worlds of the universe, were once in an 
ethereal condition, perhaps a thousand times more 
rarefied than our common air, and that the rapid 
action by which come forth the vegetable produc- 
tions, and the wonderful phenomena of forcing into 
being the myriads of living identities, were all occa- 
sioned by the operations of certain natural forces 
existing inherent in the material itself, it creates 
a wide stretch of the imagination, but develops 
a truth as patent as the fact that we liv and realize 
our existence. 

Could the mind but possess a sufficiently extensiv 
knowledge of the chemical affinities, electric forces, 
and philosophical working of atoms, ifc would not be 
difficult to trace their course from the condition they 
occupy in ethereal space t© the densified and organ- 
ized bodies they form. 

Why the atoms in rarefied condition tend to de- 
velop into vegetable productions and animal life 
just as they do after forming into planets, suns, and 
comets is a question presupposing a guide antece- 
dent to such developments. How results can 
come without their causes would overthrow our 
course of logic; and any substance or forces, pro- 
ceeding from whatsoever source they may, presup- 
poses a fountain adequate to such results. How 
inorganic material in ethereal form can build 
cities, construct railroads and steamboats for trans- 
portation of some of the same material that actually 
proceeded from the celestial regions before being 
organized into worlds, brings a solid fact to ques- 
tion; nor does it matter through what course of de- 



22 nature's harmony. 

velopment the material has come to produce man, 
yet still man's works are but a secondary condition 
of nature, and his grandest intellectual developments 
are but the results of molecules at work, guided by a 
certain intellectual force onward to this end. 

The origin of the species, to our understanding, 
seems to be the commencement of intellectual de- 
velopment; but is it possible for nature to produce 
what she does not possess ? If not, then she held in 
possession, billions of years ago, all the possibilities 
of what she possesses to-day. If this be so, then the 
thinking principle existing in all animated creatures, 
at the present time, must hav eternally formed some 
portion of the guiding principle controling the uni- 
verse, and, in accordance with our reasoning, neces- 
sarily forms some portion of that controling principle 
yet. 

Now as a sign which may answer for an inference, 
we here would ask if in the construction of a clock 
we discover any principle of design ? Most certainly, 
for it is easy to appreciate the labor of our own 
kind. But compare the rough mechanism of the 
clock to the systematic, wonderful, and harmonious 
formation of the solar system, and then with the 
universe, and see which indicates the grandest de- 
sign. But you say that these celestial bodies, with 
their harmonious action, are the work of nature. 
That is very true ; so also is the clock ; but the one 
came through the agency of man, and the other 
came through an agency still higher than man. 
That which is above the human understanding may 
appear as illusiv as that which we know to be 
erroneous. It is difficult for man to comprehend a 
higher intellectuality than himself, but he overlooks 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 23 

the thousands of proofs constantly surrounding him. 
Not that I would lead the mind to the miraculous 
attributes of heathen deities, but that if man has 
thinking power, then why hav not greater things 
than man thinking power also ? Does not the earth 
require, as an organized being, as much thought to 
traverse her course with lightning speed, in the path 
of her orbit, as man to pursue the habits of his 
sphere? You say, no; for man labors for self-pres- 
ervation, and the earth is controled by natural prin- 
ciples. That is true, but it is also true that the 
earth and all heavenly bodies are laboring for self- 
preservation, as well as man, while man is governed 
also by natural principles as much as they. 

Now here is a fact worthy of consideration. 
There is a reason why intellectual beings exist, and 
as has already been shown, this principle of men- 
tality is the most precious portion of nature. Now 
if this be the most important part, as is plainly seen, 
that without an appreciation of what exists the uni- 
verse would be but a blank; then why not this 
principle be diffused as extensivly throughout the 
universe as it is in the power of nature to develop ? 
If a small portion of this quality is essential, a 
larger portion is still more desirable. Therefore, if 
it is possible for a world to possess, as an organized 
being or body, living and thinking qualities, then 
such would be necessary prerequisits in nature's 
economy. When I first presented this theory by 
lecture and. through newspaper communications, I 
received the scoff of ridicule from some, and the eye 
of pity from others, but those who scorn my theory 
or pity my mania fail to present any tangible oppo- 
sition. The conditions whereby inorganic ma- 



24 nature's harmony. 

terial is evolved into organized bodies, possessing 
life and intellectuality, certainly do not deny that a 
planet may possess a realization of life, and a 
sense of its identity, but on the contrary, substan- 
tially, declare that it must possess and sustain these 
qualities within itself, and without these qualities 
it could never act as the fountain from which intel- 
lectual beings spring forth. For illustration, let us 
consider the physiological conditions necessary to 
sustain life in the body and produce thought. "We will 
consider the human system, as it is the most interest- 
ing to contemplate, and the highest order of anima- 
tion known to us. In the first place, in the nature of 
every living or thinking creature or being, exist 
three definit qualities, namely, the living, moving, 
and thinking principles. These constitute three 
definit and separate systems, yet it is necessary that 
they all harmoniously conjoin that any may be po- 
tently manifested. The action of these parts is but 
the result of material organization and physiologi- 
cal condition. Material elements are necessarily 
the tangible constituents whereby all bodily action 
is produced, and in order to sustain in operation the 
physical functions new material must be regularly 
supplied. Withhold it and the system famishes, and 
a sense of realization in the body is no more. The 
living principle relates to all the involuntary action 
manifested in the body, which may be represented as 
operating upon the food from the time it is received 
into the mouth until it is assimilated to the removal 
of the worn-out tissues, unfit for further service, and 
cast away. The desire that is felt to enjoy the taste 
creates a natural inclination for mastication, and na- 
ture has provided a means to accomplish it. Next, 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 25 

how peculiar is the muscular action of the esopha- 
gus to convey the same to the stomach, never forget- 
ting which end to commence swallowing at. The 
stomach, concomitant with the esophagus, is ready 
to receive the new supply of food, and is made to 
feel its requirements from a peculiar pain created in 
the numerous nerves thereof from the absence of food, 
which are sensitiv to the conditions, being tributa- 
ries to the eighth pair of sympathetic nerves. 

Next, nature made no mistake in the office to 
which she applied the stomach. While its action 
upon the food is truly wonderful, in one sense it is 
almost laughable. Let us consider for a moment the 
principles of digestion, how a fluid is secreted, of 
such materials as pepsin, salivary matter, mucus, lac- 
tic acid, and salin matters so associated together 
as to produce a solution of the most powerfully dis- 
solving nature upon the food at the temperature of 
its action of any combination of materials known. 

Let the best practical chemist in existence associ- 
ate the elements most natural for food, and then at a 
temperature of only ninety-eight and one-dalf de- 
grees bring to bear the most powerful dissolvent ma- 
terials, with the most artful device he is master of, 
for fermentation and digestion, and my word for it, 
the stomach will do more for it in two hours than 
the chemist can in ten, while at the same time nature 
is running both machines. But while the stomach 
prepares the food, adapted to pass on to receive the 
next process, the chemist has left his substances 
poisonous to the system, and well calculated to in- 
flame the tissues and clog the circulation. 

It is interesting to notice the construction, or 
rather formation, of the mucous membrane or villous 



26 nature's harmony. 

coat, and its secretion, and the rapid action thereof. 
Suffice to say that nothing in any other form, or any 
different quality of secretion, could do the business 
so well, or, in other words, could do it at all. Next 
consider the muscular fibers, which unite to form 
the tissue of the mucous membrane, the powerful 
and rapid action of this membrane, and its adapta- 
tion to either the large or small quantity of food 
that may be in the stomach. Consider, also, how 
the pylorus guards the food from passing out of the 
stomach until it is in a proper condition of chyme, to 
be chemicalized into chyle by the excretions of the 
liver and pancreas, while passing through the duode- 
num, before reaching the lacteals in the intestins. 
Were it possible to discern and understand the chem- 
ical action of the bile and pancreatic juice, and the 
lightning quickness of their dissolvent effects upon 
the chyme while in the duodenum, before any por- 
tion of it is in proper condition to be received 
through the lacteals into the thoracic duct, it would 
beggar all attempt at description, and leave the 
mind in awe at the wonderful workings of the ele- 
ments in our own physical systems. 

Then, again, let us consider how this material is 
pumped up by the muscular action of the heart, to 
unite with the venous blood to be forced through the 
pulmonary arteries to the lungs, there to undergo 
another chemical change of lightning quickness, be- 
fore being arterialized to return to the heart. Back to 
the heart through the pulmonary veins it is drawn, 
whereby to be forced through the left portion of the 
heart with such powerful pressure into the arteries as 
to send the blood to the uttermost extremities of the 
body, where these millions of channels, separated, 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 27 

ramify with such delicate minuteness that it would 
be impossible for the cuticle to be pierced with the 
finest cambric needle without puncturing one or 
more of them. Through these millions of delicate 
hoses they hav deposited on their way their new 
loads of material to each and every portion, where- 
by to renew every particle of tissue throughout the 
whole spiritual tenement. 

Then we find that where the arteries terminate, 
the capillaries, which are tributaries to the veins, 
arise. The worn-out material is judiciously collected 
up, and by rigid economy is conducted to the glands 
to be cleansed, or separated, the waste portion to be 
conveyed from the system, and the remainder, ac- 
ceptable for further use, to be conveyed back through 
the heart and to the lungs for arterialization. In 
this way, with what is added by respiration, every 
portion of the body is supplied with the neces- 
sary material required to sustain life in the or- 
ganization. 

But in addition to all that it is possible to describe 
here, relativ to the vital system, there are many func- 
tionary features, of which it would be discouraging 
to attempt to render the faintest idea. 

Then here we hav the living principle of the hu- 
man being, and the mind of the reader will not fail 
to notice that all creatures, as well as human, are 
possessed with similar circulatory organizations. 

But were it possible that this vital system could 
exist without the nervous, then such an organization 
would not know that it possessed an identity; and if 
void of the muscular alliance, then the vital and 
nervous, although they were . able to liv and think, 
yet they could not act, or stir, or render any mani- 



28 



NATURE S HARMONY. 



festation whatever. Therefore, here coines in na- 
ture's absolute necessities, whereby in order to con- 
stitute a living, moving, and thinking being, these 
conditions must be provided. 

The circulatory system renders nourishment for 
the support of the nervous system, whereby these 
various and numerous fibers may act as electric con- 
ductors, ramifying to every portion of the physical 
organization, and centering at the medulla oblongata 
or cerebellum (the backward portion of the brain), 
whereby an electro-magnetic battery is produced. 
Now, since we hav reached this principle of nervous 
control, let us revert back to the fact that the vital 
power of the system could not exist for an instant 
without it, neither could the motor, but that each 
alike depends equally upon the others, thereby con- 
stituting a harmonious trio, necessary to the exist- 
ence of animation. Now, here is a principle of gen- 
eral government which presides throughout the or- 
ganism, and a mutual agreement of bones, muscles, 
nerves, and blood, and all their varied action. "What- 
ever was essential to create the necessary results 
has been provided just to a sufficiency. First, the 
physical framework of articulation at every point 
needed, and nowhere unless required. Second, the 
attachment of the muscles to the bones, and the 
philosophical perfection with which they are applied, 
and the number necessary by which every member, 
joint, or organ, can act in every way the habits of 
the creature or being may demand. And it is inter- 
esting to consider the fact that the fibers of which 
these powerful muscular tissues are composed are 
finer than the unassisted eye is able to discern. 
It takes, as nearly as can be estimated, 11,500 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 29 

of them, when laid side by side upon a plain surface, 
to span an inch, and yet these fibers are so woven, 
spliced, and plaited as to possess contractiv power 
equal to thousands of pounds in weight. For illus- 
tration, extend the arm, its length upon a table, then 
place a twenty-five pound weight upon the hand, and 
raise it to the shoulder. Now, in imitation of the 
arm, fix a mechanical contrivance to raise as nearly 
parallel to it as with the arm, and make the attach- 
ment proportionately the same; then apply your 
windlass and raise the twenty-five-pound weight. I 
scarcely need state what an immese cord it may re- 
quire to raise it, or the force to be applied, but suf- 
fice to say, the draft of a good team will scarcely be 
able to accomplish the feat. This is no exaggera- 
tion, but on the contrary the exaggeration goes the 
other way, and beyond all conjecture; but here you 
hav an excuse that the volition of the will associates 
an electric force together with the mechanical prin- 
ciples and muscular action that in no other way can 
be applied. Now, let us here pause a moment to 
consider whence the primary influence of this enor- 
mous force. You discover at once that it proceeds 
from the electric center. But how wonderful it is 
that when we seek at this nervous center no force is 
to be discovered, and so delicate it is that the softest 
silk would soon paralyze all action thereof, and it 
could not stand the puncture of the finest cambric 
needle without separating the spiuit from the body! 
Therefore to fill the requirements nature has pro- 
vided the motor nerves in order to operate the mus- 
cular system. Next to consider here were numerous 
organs of the body, that must act in unison with 
each other. Now as the mind of person or ani- 



30 nature's harmony. 

mal has no control over those functions, therefore 
nature has furnished the requisitions. Consequently 
there are for the purpose named certain pairs of 
sympathetic nerves, which neither feel, nor are 
operated through any volition of will, but by na- 
ture are instructed through involuntary action to 
work mutually together, whereby to keep in regula- 
tion and harmonious order the operations of all this 
physical machinery. Without this necessary pre- 
requisit of the tenement all circulation would at once 
be at a stand-still. Yet still here come in another 
necessity. The various parts of the organization are 
liable to violence and to get deranged, to become 
poisoned and inflamed, ruptured, broken, or detached ; 
and there are no means, as yet, from anything re- 
ferred to, by which the person can realize such 
injury. Nature makes a special provision. She 
provides another set of nerves, which shall neither 
act upon the muscles nor in any way work physi- 
cally upon the tissues, but whose sole business is to 
act as guard against the approach of all danger from 
violence, and render timely warning. These are the 
nerves of sensation, and it is interesting to contem- 
plate how justly, systematically, and economically 
they are distributed. Where the danger is greatest 
there the sensation is rendered most acute, and when 
any injury is received the tidings are instantly tele- 
graphed to the nervous center. These nerves are 
very numerous, so extensiv as to defy the point oi 
the finest needle to thrust the person without coming 
in contact with one or more, which may readily be 
known by the sensation felt. A volume might be 
written on the natural adaptation and law of com- 
pensation displayed in the working of the humar 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 31 

system, but before a person is able to even describe 
the outlines of his physical being he becomes lost 
in his nothingness, and will decide that a lifetime is 
too short to learn a hundredth part of what he pos- 
sesses in his own being. 

It is obvious that nature has used the material at 
the best advantage, and incorporated the greatest 
force in the smallest space she was capable pf. There 
is not a feature to be questioned but what returns a 
useful answer, and the inference would go to show 
that it is a very costly house for the short time it is 
occupied. Perhaps to build a mechanical structure 
in imitation, in all the minutiae, of the human organ- 
ization, it would not cost less than a million of dol- 
lars, but the work would need to be as large as a 
small world in order to find room for half of the 
parts. 

It is interesting to notice how appropriate every 
feature of the organism is for its use, and the lesson 
which this grand phenomenon carries will scarcely 
fail to be seen. 

Consequently in summing up we conclude, since 
every prerequisit is exquisitly represented for the 
accomplishment of nature's grand end and aim, so 
man livs for a purpose far greater than that known 
to himself. The material substance of the body, 
carrying inherent with it the principles creating the 
physical forces, operating through electric cur- 
rents, connecting at one great center, results in the 
establishment of the realization of an identity, or in 
other words, a thinking soul. On this principle, why 
might not any electric battery be representativ of 
an identity ? "We would reply that electricity, like 
light, color, sound, and heat, is transmitted by vibra- 



32 nature's harmony. 

tory waves, and their varied effects are in accordance 
with the tensity or intensity of vibrations. With the 
action of electricity on the nervous fibers, the force 
is confined, and the vibratory effect is exceedingly 
intensified, doubtless reaching to millions of waves 
per second, or at least to such a degree that the 
necessary effect is produced. There is a very similar 
operation in relation to the vibratory waves of light, 
by which the principle of vision is effected. The 
mere mechanism of the eye is not difficult to compre- 
hend, and the sensation of the optic nerve is inti- 
mately connected with the nervous center; but how 
we are made conscious of objects at a distance, when 
in reality the perception is exactly and only at the 
retina, is the point in question. In experience of 
some years ago, while experimenting with colors, I 
found that if color could be made of precisely the 
right tint, and placed exactly at a certain distance 
between the eye and a background made also of a 
certain tint, the object between would be invisible 
to the eye, while at the same time it would hide an 
object placed directly behind it upon the background. 
This is occasioned by the peculiar effect that the 
color has upon the eye, owing to the exceeding 
intensity of the vibrations by which it is rendered 
invisible. We may hav occasion to refer in the 
course of this volume to the fact that the clearest eye 
may, from a similar reason, be unable to behold 
objects which actually exist in the atmosphere close 
before it and in the presence of daylight. In exert 
ing the eye to behold something that the principles 
of vision will not permit to be seen, either through 
imagination or else from discerning more nearly the 
fact, the air almost appears vaporized and in a meas- 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 33 

ure unclear to the sight. Some hav learned certain 
lessons from this which from fear of taxing the 
credulity of my readers I will for the present forbear 
to state, but will do so anon. 

In returning to the conditions of our theorized man, 
che inference will doubtless be by some that when 
dissolution takes place with this electro-magnetic 
mactine, the identity to which we hav referred will 
be absolutely a nonentity; but we promis not to 
clash with any inconsistencies, or let slip a cog in 
the course of our logic, in the event of showing to 
the contrary. But for the present we must return to 
the subject of our living, acting, and thinking planets. 
In the event of showing the conditions upon which 
an animated creature or being sustains a realization 
of its identity, as a necessity, those forces which giv 
rise to the phenomenon of thought in one creature are 
identical with those which render thought to another. 
All animals, birds, beasts, fish, and insects, are of 
thinking nature as well as human; and the indentical 
principle pervading one pervades all. Each is organ- 
ized to act in its sphere, and is therefore endowed 
with intellectuality and inclinations corresponding 
therewith. Do not call it instinct with one any more 
than with another, for it is too easy a way of dispos- 
ing of the subject, and the word is too nearly devoid 
of all meaning. The sphere in which any creature 
acts develops the organism through the influence of 
inclination in accordance with the law of compensa- 
tion. Consequently each is compelled to nil his 
place, since unadapted to fill any other. 

The insect is just as wise in its sphere as man in 
his, and if any principle exists whereby the identity 
of man is perpetuated from life to death, and death 



34 NATURE'S HARMON?. 

to birth, the infinitesimal creature has just as strong a 
claiEn as the ego. If the fly obliterated with the 
lash does not retain a consciousness of its entity, then 
man is forever nothing beyond the physical dissolu- 
tion. But we shall see anon. 

An organism so constituted as to absorb electric 
force and throw off the same, to the degree of action 
with which this force operates, so in the same de- 
gree is the life principle manifested in the creature. 
This is the reason why some are activ and strong, 
and others weak and sluggish. The difference is 
occasioned by the difference of the physical perfec- 
tion and texture of system. It matters not what the 
form of the organism may be, as far as the necessary 
prerequisits of thought may depend, only that there 
must of necessity exist an electric center, also cur- 
rents of electricity tending from all of the living 
parts to that center. 

We hav in the organization of a world all of the 
qualities and conditions essential to the development 
of thought; and since this is nature's most important 
object, and, in the way of her business, costs her 
nothing, the inference is plausible that earth, as well 
as all heavenly bodies, is a being of intelligence. 
And since all that animation can receive must neces- 
sarily come from the source of the world on which 
it livs, the sun's rays of light and heat considered, 
how is it possible for the planet to supply all crea- 
tures with the principle of thought and possess it 
not for herself? 

If the organization of the human system could be 
regarded as a work of mental calculation, what a 
giant mind it would hav required to produce 
it! Were any of the species originated through the 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 35 

exercise of an intelligence, how far beyond man's 
abilities must the attributes of such a nature neces- 
sarily reach! But we hav the results, and something 
has produced them, and it makes no difference what 
name you apply, whether blind nature or infinit in- 
telligence; as long as animation exists, there also 
must exist the fountain of its nature. The universe 
is full of testimony to this effect, but man's practical 
nature, constantly riveted to the one object of self- 
preservation, is unable to discern this substantial 
evidence before him, and the use of words cannot 
express a meaning sufficient to lead an unapprecia- 
tiv mind to the facts to which his nature is blind. 

In surveying any department of nature, we find 
everything definitly systematized. There are no 
accidental hits or malformations except they are 
occasioned by obstructions. These nature endeavors 
to overthrow, that her work may be always of 
definit precision. In the mechanisms of man the 
accomplishments are comparativly rude, and the 
grand results of all man's enterprises how illy com- 
pare with nature's most insignificant designs ! 

Grand results proceed from proportionately grand 
causes, and if we rest upon the existence of no intel- 
lectual forces outside of animated manifestations, it 
looks like a poor basis for the wisdom displayed in 
the formation of solar systems, the origin of the 
species, the evolutionary changes, progress of intel- 
lectual development, and, in fact, the harmonious or- 
der of the universe. 

We behold the rapid changes that matter is con- 
stantly undergoing, and while in the earthly form we 
exist, we can only discern the changes taking place 
in the material substance visible to our eyes: lut in 



36 

viewing all this we realize not at all the ultimate 
causes producing such results. It is the power that 
lies hidden from our vision that accomplishes the 
work. You know the affinities of certain elemental 
substances and the effect of their combination, but 
the cause whereby they operate so you are unable to 
fully comprehend. Therefore to proclaim that there 
is nothing where there is nothing to be seen is very 
doubtful reasoning. The machinery by which the 
railroad trains are drawn possesses in itself no force, 
but is operated by the application of power that lies 
hidden. Therefore all tangible effects arise from 
invisible causes. 

For any creature or being to decide that it exists 
merely for its own satisfaction is assuming more 
than is justifiable. In the mechanism of human in- 
genuity, works are not executed for the satisfaction 
of the work, but for the satisfaction of man, and 
man, not the originator of himself, consequently 
does not liv merely for his own satisfaction. 

We are but agents for a higher power, working 
for the accomplishment of something to which we 
are entire strangers. The mere matter of living 
from day to day during this transient life, and then 
dying to all eternity, is not an object worthy of 
nature's design. It would be too much like the fickle 
undertakings of man. It is too mysterious how we 
come to occupy this sphere at all if death closes the 
scene forever. Might it not be possible that some 
natural principle could perpetuate our identities to 
another sphere quite as consistently as to originate 
us into this one ? 



NATUKAL ADAPTATION. 37 

NATURAL ADAPTATION. 

In treating further on the progress of intellectual 
development, it is interesting to notice how the laws 
of adaptation and compensation facilitate in the 
accomplishment of this great work. This is a sub- 
ject so commonly treated that there are but few new 
phases to be presented ; but, in order to reach certain 
points in relation to my theme, I must invite your at- 
tention to a few suggestions well worthy of consid- 
eration. If we were more given to reasoning upon 
the affairs of e very-day occurrence, the very things 
which are continually exhibited before us would 
offer a far better elucidation of this subject than is 
possible to render with the pen; but it is surprising 
that we may liv a life-time, and yet the most common 
things around us seldom appeal to our understanding. 

It is not a wonder that all creatures are organized 
so as to travel in the direction they look; but, having 
always seen them do so, it would seem a botched job 
in nature were any organism to see in one direction 
and travel in the other. However, it might be 
argued that if the creature had been so fashioned, it 
would never hav known any difference ; which may be 
so, yet it would certainly be a great source of incon- 
venience. But as matter was forced to develop into 
living creatures, on the conditions of "struggle for 
life," no creature could ever hav had its origin with- 
out the means being afforded for its self-preservation. 
Consequently all the characteristics of the creature 
are of necessity made to correspond with the position 
it is to occupy, and the mental nature is also adapted 
to the physical structure. The peculiar inclination 
of thought either has a controling influence to shape 



38 nature's harmony. 

the physical organization, or else the form of the 
body can admit no other mental inclination to dwell 
within it. Whether the mind shapes the body, or 
the body shapes the mind, has been questioned ; but 
our answer is that they act by mutual agreement, 
therefore the premises are equal. What develops 
the mind to its sphere is condition, and what devel- 
ops the body to its sphere is condition also; conse- 
quently the form of the animal or the being repre- 
sents its mental characteristics For illustration, the 
dog has a peculiar sphere to fill, and his mental char- 
acteristics and natural inclinations adapt him to his 
sphere; and his physical make-up precisely corre- 
sponds therewith. His keen scent for meandering the 
track of animals he is trained to pursue gives him a 
knowledge of the animal fleeing from him and ren- 
ders him able to run with his nose close to the 
ground. The action of running in this way would 
be most unnatural, aside from the development of it, 
alone through the power of scent. The tail of the 
dog is a necessary appendage whereby to facilitate 
in turning. It is controled by powerful muscles, 
and is forcibly exercised upon the atmosphere on 
occasions of sudden turns, or when rapid gyrations 
are to be made. His ability of looking forward 
while the nose is pointed to the ground is a feature 
most natural to the canine orders, or more partic- 
ularly those animals which are guided by scent. 
The muscular action of the ear, by which he is en- 
abled to close out the noise from behind and open 
up to that ahead, is another feature of facilitation 
by which he is aided in the chase. Now the incli- 
nations of the dog is such that he enjoys the sport, as 
well as being by organization adapted to it. On the 



NATURAL ADAPTATION. 39 

other hand, let us consider the game pursued. The 
eyes of such timid animals as the hare, rabbit, deer, 
antelope, etc., are so set that they can see behind 
them when running, and their ears can be securely 
closed to the noise ahead and open to that behind 
them. Organized to run and flee from danger as 
their only means of defense, their forms are slim 
and lithe, and. their bones and muscles of the finest 
texture. Being pursued, they are therefore necessi- 
tated to make sudden turns to escape the enemy; 
consequently the tail appendage would be an incum- 
brance, therefore it is only provided as a roof, or 
shelter, to protect the body. We therefore notice 
that while one is endowed with the faculties to pur- 
sue, the other is provided the means of escape; and 
in this way nature has rendered nearly an equal 
chance for self-preservation to all of her species. 
It might look like a contradiction that one animal 
must hav a long tail in order to turn quick, and 
another one have none at all for the same purpose, 
but the fact of one fleeing to escape, and the other 
running to overtake, accounts for the difference, the 
former making the track for the latter to follow. 

If carnivorous animals possessed an inclination to 
eat hay and grass as well as the flesh of animals, they 
would find it very inconvenienc doing so with the 
same kind of teeth and stomach furnished them; but 
if it were possible for them to sustain life upon veg- 
etable productions, and they were compelled to sub- 
sist, nature would gradually change the character of 
the teeth, stomach, and physical make-up generally, 
to correspond with the kind of food the animal was 
compelled to live upon. The first generations would 
be but slightly changed, but each succeeding one 



40 

would become more and more adapted to the condi- 
tions, and they would eventfully become herbivorous. 
So in the same way, by a gradual development, 
might the herbivorous be grown into carnivorous 
natures. Nor would such results be necessarily im- 
possible to accomplish. The elements which are in 
*meats are the same as those in vegetation, and it is 
doubtless a fact that, by an established change of 
diet, the character of the animal might be greatly 
modified, and in the course of many generations be 
entirely changed. 

The physical habits of animals, as well as form of 
organization, doubtless could be as greatly changed 
by gradual development through the course of suc- 
cessiv generations as the nature of food and mode 
of living. For example, the hog, domesticated to the 
habit of gluttony, originally was an animal lean and 
thin, and very fleet, also a terrible foe to encounter. 
Compare the fat hog, with lopped ears, grunting 
lazily in his pen, with the ferocious wild boar, with 
his long legs and lean, lank sides, and ears almost 
firm enough to answer for horns; who could imagin 
any relationship ever existed there ? Still, as strange 
as it may seem, even a greater difference might be 
made, and the hog, as unnatural as it might appear, 
by a certain course of diet, education, and treatment, 
could be developed into a roadster, to draw a buggy, 
and travel with good speed. 

There is no animal that may not be domesticated, 
and any in being subject to the control of the human 
will is greatly modified in its nature. If some 
change is made by moderate training, a greater 
change might be effected by more rigid and tortur- 
ous handling. In considering this subject to the ul- 



NATUBAL ADAPTATION. 41 

timatum, it might seem to some that we carry this 
cultivation of physical and mental training beyond 
all bounds; still we have reason to feel justified in 
the following suggestions. 

In the origin of man we are of the opinion that he 
has arisen from no particular source, but from the 
general source of all animation; however animation; 
like vegetation, is definitly classified. The same ele- 
ments may exist in various kinds of vegetable growth, 
yet a wide contrast be represented in the productions. 
In like manner the principle of animation, awaking to 
consciousness all the various grades of creatures, arises 
from the same great fountain, but in being appor- 
tioned out to fit different tenements, for the purpose 
of filling various spheres, the numerous species are 
thereby established, and in order sustained and per- 
petuated. The physical and intellectual progress of 
undomesticated animals is not apparent. The 
physical strength and mental qualities of birds, 
beasts, fishes, and insects were equal four thousands 
of years ago to what they are to-day. In no degree 
do any of these species approximate any nearer to 
the human than they ever did. How, then, has man 
originated through gradations of animal develop- 
ment tending to his sphere ? This would infer that 
man was as definitly man, as corn is corn or whf at 
wheat. Still it is easy to discern that of all the 
category of the animated species there is not one to 
be found that does not resemble man to some extent 
in physical form ; and it maybe said of all the differ- 
ent seeds in existence, the germs developing the 
embryo in symmetry are the same ; still the grain of 
corn can never be made to produce the stalk of 
wheat, nor the potato bring forth the pumpkin. 



42 

Yet we must positivly assert that the life principle 
controling all centralized identities is definitly the 
same, and that which givs rise to all vegetable pro- 
ductions the same also. But new species arise from 
the effects of miscegenation, higher in grade, and 
more excellent in quality, in grains, fruits, plants, 
and flowers; and the same laws reign throughout an- 
imated nature. Here, however, it would not be out 
of place t® remark that all admixtures are not good, 
but originally when grades and varieties were less 
definitly defined, the results of engrafting were 
more extensivly representing. In the progress of 
the earth's developments, it is a law that the highest 
qualities supersede ; therefore, in the propagation of 
wide contrasting grades, the redeeming excellencies 
of both survive, while in the engrafting of similar 
stock, the excellencies of one are buried in the other, 
and the progeny is liable to be impaired. Two sim- 
ilar substances combined assimilate smoothly, while 
a positiv and a negativ result in the generation of 
force superseding either. 

The effect of torture, to a certain extent, exalts 
both physically and mentally, while an excess of it 
degrades. It requires action to strengthen, while 
over-action weakens. 

The natural inclination of all animation is to 
seek enjoyment, which illusivly infers a state of 
rest, but which in reality requires a condition of ac- 
tivity. An over-amount of rest creates uneasiness 
and leads to stupidity, and occasions an abnormal con- 
dition of both body and mind, and were this desire 
indulged in, the world would retrograde. Nature 
has a remedy in the necessity of all creatures being 
compelled to seek their own sustenance, in the " battle. 



NATURAL ADAPTATION. 43 

for life." Hence, where physical action is but little 
required, mental qualities are poorly developed. 

Rigid and long training out of the natural course 
of the animal or the being gradually changes their 
physical and mental characters. 

For illustration, if the dog were made to ambulate 
on his hinder feet, and never allowed to put his fore- 
feet to the ground, and continue so to do for many 
generations, the effects of such training would be 
transmitted to the progeny, until nature would adapt 
the creature to the conditions. It is hardly necessary 
to state the many physical changes that would, occur 
in reaching such a state of development. While, 
on the other hand, if man could be enslaved to the 
brutal torture of ambulating as a quadruped, for a 
series of generations, he would at length become 
adapted to the conditions; for in acting to fill the 
place of a beast he would become one. 

From this it will be seen that while each species is 
definitly represented, sustained, and perpetuated 
when acting in its natural sphere, yet it is subject to 
modifications by the influences of circumstances. 
Even the change of climate, which necessarily 
changes the habits, in the course of time changes 
the nature of the animals, and as great a difference 
is wrought in vegetation. 

Therefore it is not the different nature of the 
life principle that establishes the different species, 
but the condition of existence to which the creature 
by nature is subjected. All are of one life, subsist 
on the same elements, breathe the same atmosphere, 
and equally realize their identities. The existence 
of the merest insect is as dear to itself as man is to 
himself, for the realization of its identity is equally 



44 nature's harmony. 

as strong, consequently on the basis of self-preserva- 
tion the species are perpetuated. 

Besides the natural inclination that each creature 
possesses to protect itself, it is furnished by nature 
with other qualities for defense. Through the 
sense of smell and taste the presence of poison may 
be known, unless other means are provided by which 
to ascertain; therefore the animals readily reject 
poisonous herbs without having to experience their 
direful effects. Infectious atmosphere in the same 
way reveals itself. Man is more liable to the effects 
of poison than animals, being governed by reason 
more than by intuition, also from seeking various 
artificial ways of perverting the appetite, whereby 
the habits are cultivated for imbibing poisonous 
substances for the impregnation of the blood. Un- 
natural appetites in this way are created, which are 
often entailed upon posterity, and as a due punish- 
ment nature robs the intuitiv ability of always 
deciding upon what is most wholesome; but, agree- 
able to her laws, she even adapts the system to the 
assimilation of poison, and in man's extravagance 
compels him to keep up the supply. 

In an abnormal condition of health, the struggle 
of the system against the foe is a battle of the hot- 
test kind, and artificial remedies are usually a poor 
dependence, the administration thereof proving in 
nine cases out of ten inefficacious in aiding nature, 
and really injurious. The philosophy in adminis- 
tering is but to aid the system in conquering the 
disease. 

Another of nature's protections is shown in the 
manner in which the arteries are deeply laid or im- 
bedded beneath the surface and the guard rendered 



Natural adaptation. 45 

by the distribution of the nerves of sensation out- 
side of them. The veins being distributed between 
th« arteries and the surface, consequently are more 
liable of being severed; but in the event of a vein 
being injured, it is not apt to result in the loss of 
much blood, while if the arteries were distributed 
as close to the surface as the veins, the death of 
most persons would be likely to be that of hemor- 
rhage. A nice provision in the human and animal 
orgnizations. 

Another fine example is shown in the transforma- 
tion of the larvae into the chrysalis and the provisions 
made by which it shall endure a long cold winter, 
with occasional temperatures at zero and lower, yet 
gorgeously unfold and cast off the old case of long 
protection, to rise and sport ethereal in the sun of 
spring and summer, subject to being made a victim 
of the aerial tribes, yet strange to notice that the 
mode by which nature has endowed it to migrate 
through the air is illusiv to the keenest eye of the 
bird for reason of the zigzag motion, aecompanied 
by the dips, scollops, and circles, whereby the eye is 
deceived, and the attempt at seizure results in a 
failure. 

The protection rendered to progeny is also another 
feature of nature's tender care. The influence of 
parental love is displayed among all living creatures, 
and more hardships can be borne, more privations 
endured, for the children we are called to provide 
for than in any other way. That this might be so 
it becomes the highest source of enjoyment to ad- 
minister to their wants on all occasions our most 
fostering care with the sincerest affections. It is a 
wise and generous dog that will carry food to the 



46 

child when lost in the woods, but an un merciful bird 
that would fail to furnish sustenance for her young. 

Another feature we also discover in the instinctive 
feeling for safety displayed by all birds, beasts, 
fishes, and insects in fleeing from danger. Take 
from animation these various guards of natural pro- 
tection and it would be but a short time before the 
world would be deprived of animal life. 

It will be seen from the foregoing that the prin- 
ciple of intellectuality mu9t pervade in some way 
throughout all the universe, or else how can the 
manifestation of such wisdom be so grandly dis 
played in every department of nature. The very 
fact that centralized intelligences hav their origin 
is a proof positiv that there must be a fountain 
from which they come in accordance with the math- 
ematical principles of the means equaling the ends. 



ORIGIN OF VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 

In the grand economy of nature, the evolutions 
tend toward the production of that which has thought 
and feeling. Not that there shall ever be any in- 
crease of the intellectuality of the universe, in the 
aggregate, but that in the operation of a portion 
thereof being separately developed, the divisions and 
sub-divisions extend almost to infinity in the produc- 
tion of centralized identities. This progress is not 
rapid, from the appreciation of our understanding, 
but copious and as certain to come about as though 
it were but a day; and although it has required a pe- 
riod of not less than five and a half millions of 
years for each from the gathering nebulous fluid, at 



VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 47 

the origin of the earth, up to the present state in 
which we now view it, yet this immense duration has 
made no change from what it was to be. 

Let us now contemplate the earth in her formation 
from her infancy, through the lapse of countless 
ages, down to the present condition of development. 
At first, slowly forming her nucleus, in the ethereal 
space, lately fertilized by some passing comet, and 
gradually collecting the material from the rarified 
condition of nebulous ether, less a hundred times in 
its density than the common air, yet the atoms, as 
minute as particles of sunlight, continue to unite, un- 
til far, far away in the great ocean of space, an ac- 
cumulation of material but slightly denser than the 
rest of dungeon space, was floating there, left free 
to the waves and tides far in the sable heavens, and 
subject only to the spirit of the universe to comfort 
and control. View once again, when a million 
years have past (if years we may apply) at this stu- 
penduous work of celestial fields — instead of this 
light, mild, and gentle vapor, heaving smoothly on 
the ethereal ocean, behold its compact center, glaring 
white with livid heat; and the broad globular boun- 
dary, spanning from her furnace center of roaring, 
fiery vapor, a million .miles away, to where her 
gentle border floats, in tranquil, quietude, far from 
another shore. 

Now once again, a million years have fled — be- 
hold the scene ! A plastic ball, far lessened in its 
size, with denser portion central, molten with intens- 
est heat, and blazing gases reaching far away, and 
by degrees the wasting boundary vanishing in gloom. 

Again, a million years gone by — the livid sea, 
slow-cooling, tranquilly subsides, and glaring wave 



48 nature's habmony. 

of liquid fire has solid grown, into a mass of deep, 
impenetrable rock, in either polar zone ; hut wide be- 
tween, the equatorial band to heaven displays the 
awful map of melted earth; by force centrifugal 
high-raised in plastic ring, encircling earth around ; 
while awful winds in heated fury rage, and with 
tempestuous roar drive maddened on. 

Once more in vision view another million years 
past by. The solar orb has in the nebular mist, in 
redness just commenced to shine; but earth in awful 
agony is heaving forth in huge commotion, and rend- 
ing wide and long her surface crust. This awful 
lava, thrown far to the hights of air, falls back upon 
the lap of earth and sinks beneath with penetrating 
force ; then with a heaving surge the chasm levels up 
and closes in. Not yet has oxygen and hydrogen 
combined to form the watery element, and while 
the dryer gases concentrate to form the densities of 
earth, the intense heat drives far outside, where in 
a state more rarified dwells the hot, misty vapor, 
which now doth form the oceans of the world. 

And still another million years doth flee, the 
watery vapors of the heavens doth form the waters 
of the earth. No land exists upon the surface now; 
'tis but as one grand globe of dashing sea. Where 
there no water was, now unto heaven, nought but 
water doth appear, and darkness long had covered 
o'er this boundless ocean wide. 

The elements are now at work, and long at work 
shall be, before the land or rock shall rise to view 
above the wild and dashing sea. As this enormous 
furnace globe doth deeper in its progress cool, the 
waters more with earth combines, and earth unto the 
process yields. And still the surging waves do roll, 



VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 49 

while wild tornadoes rush along; and as the heavenly- 
music swells in accents of celestial song, behold 
anew the earth is rent from Arctic sea to Southern 
pole, all nature trembles at the vent, throughout 
celestial regions roll ; and echoes back to earth again as 
pours the lava far and wide upon the dashing watery- 
plain, which boiling in its angry roar, drowns every 
other noise besides; and thus from this condition 
gradually continuing onward in its progress, the 
earth laboring under the forces that control and 
guide it forward to its grand object and end, in the 
course of many thousands of years reached that con- 
dition of development when the natural forces, 
through chemical affinities, operating in the elements 
sent forth vegetation. Therefore, as a necessary ori- 
gin of all vegetation, we must look to the elemental 
principles existing in the earth, preceding the exist- 
ence of any centralized seed or root, as a source from 
which to grow. Consequently, according to the 
nature of the soil, locality, or climate, came forth 
the numerous varieties of plants, trees, fruits, and 
flowers, as fast as the conditions of the earth and 
fertilizing influence of the sun would allow them to 
develop. But why did all of these peculiar varieties 
arise, and whence the word that said grow, and they 
groweth ? Why are they so detinitly classified and 
earnestly perpetuated? In reply, these were the 
hidden qualities that nature forever inherently pos- 
sessed, and the principle of origin as virtually ex- 
isted for each class or kind, a billion years before it 
presented its delicate growth to light, as on the day 
it came forth. The operations of nature are not 
without a purpose, and the formation of worlds is 
for their being appropriated to important use. There- 



50 

fore if nothing was accomplished by their existence 
in nature's economy, they never would hav been. 
Consequently something must grow from them. The 
production of vegetation is one of nature's indis- 
pensable resources, without which each would be but 
a blank or a cipher. The necessity of vegetable 
growth is shown in the non-existence of animal life 
without it; for in the development of vegetation it 
is in reality equivalent to the ushering into being a 
lower order of animation. Nor was it necessary 
that a special provision should have been made for 
the origin of plants, fruit?, or flowers, beasts, birds, 
fishes, and insects, or man, to hav put in their first 
appearance in any particular place, wherefrom to be 
distributed to all parts of the world ; but on the con- 
trary, the origin of each variety of either' animal or 
vegetable productions depended wholly upon the 
conditions of the material elements and principles 
pervading therein, or, in other words, the laws of 
evolution. Consequently the origin of all of earth's 
productions was as general as their after-growth, on 
the conditions that what the material of earth and 
climate would sustain and perpetuate it would also 
originate. This might appear at first thought incon- 
sistent with the facts of rearing in one locality and 
transplanting to another, but we must not forget that 
in those primeval times man did not exist to culti- 
vate and improve, and what comes forth must come 
wholly from the hand of nature, and man himself 
was a portion of her divine labor. The primeval 
condition of neither vegetation nor animation was 
rich in perfection, as now represented to our view. 
It is astonishing when we know the source from 
whiqji some of our most luscious fruits hav pro* 



VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 51 

ceeded; also the great improvement that the prog- 
ress of time has developed in all domesticated stock; 
and the intellectual development of man, by retrac- 
ing the progress of history, is quite as apparent in 
the general course of nature as any other improve- 
ment to be noticed. Therefore, as we hav already 
seen that all things which depend upon the earth 
for their growth and development must also depend 
upon the progress of the earth in her developments to 
reach their highest perfection. All the works of art, 
in one sense, are but the works of nature, and all the 
imperfections, as we view them, are only occasioned 
from the lack of perfect developments. While the 
great wheel rolling represents the progress of nature, 
the wheel .within that wheel represents the progress 
of art, and the slow or rapid progress of the smaller 
wholly depends upon the progress of the greater. 
In viewing earth through the various phases we hav 
represented her, in our visionary description, it hides 
from our understanding the existence of any central- 
ized germs for either vegetation or animation ; but 
now that we see these productions around us, we 
know that nature possessed the principles of genera- 
tion for them all in the natural forces that material 
possesses ; consequently this does away with the erro- 
neous theories on the distribution of the species, 
some of which hav even inferred a particular local- 
ity on the earth for them all to hav had their ori- 
gin. New species of both animal and vegetable 
growth are still coming into existence, while some of 
the old are going out, which shows that the present 
age of the earth is non-supporting to certain produc- 
tions which at a different or past age she once sump- 
tuously sustained. It is unnecessary to offer illus- 



52 

t rations to exemplify these facts, as nature shows it 
more clearly in both the vegetable and animal king- 
doms, and in more ways than I hav time to show 
with the per- 

Eich production, whether animal or vegetable, 
has its time in the age of the world; but as the spe- 
cies are comparativly few when properly classified, 
it is not common to notice a new species appear or an 
old one to become extinct. Certain vegetable growth 
is concomitant with certain animal life, therefore 
both abide during the same period of the earth's age. 
Man, originating from a general source, not in any 
particular locality, came at a late period in the age 
and developments of the world, being far less perfect 
in his organization and mentality than we now view 
him, but more hardy to withstand the conditions of 
his natal birth. Originally gross, both in organiza- 
tion and in intellectuality, even more so than those 
nearest to the " connecting link " of to-day, yet 
through successiv generations he has developed into 
his present state of enlightenment. Still the grand 
acme of human perfection is not yet reached. We 
may look back with horror upon the barbarity of 
ancient times, while those living but a century hence 
may regard the best of us, in a social sense of view, 
in a state of semi-barbarism. But there is an end to 
all perfection, and when that end is reached by man 
what more has nature to accomplish by his existence 
being perpetuated ? When grain and fruit are ripe 
the time for harvest has come, as much so with the 
crops that grow for nature as with those which na- 
ture makes grow for man. More anon. 

As a theory we now claim that there is no material 
substance in the world but what possesses the prin- 



VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 58 

ciples of vegetable and animal life, and if it were 
possible to trace any material down to its atomic 
minuteness it would disclose either one or the other 
or both. The electric effect of any material is kidic- 
ativ of the life principle pervading it. In the com- 
bination of simples for the formation of compounds 
lie the principles of decomposition and reconstruc- 
tion. The life principle pervading the former in 
molecular forms is either reorganized in the latter 
and by miscegenation transformed to a class of life 
on a medium line proportionate to the parts involved 
in the admixture, or else dies to that composition and 
in the form of other life escapes by effervescence to 
mingle with the atmosphere. 

The dual qualities of gender are inherent in any 
or every substance, and these extend from organiza- 
tions through molecular conditions down to atomic 
minuteness. These are the positiv and negativ 
principles that all mp.tter possesses, producing the 
magnetic affinity that controls the particles in the 
formation of densities, and generate the electric force 
productiv of all' the motion in the universe. It is 
equivalent to the attractiv and repulsiv forces that 
all matter possesses, without which all matter would 
stand forever silent and still; even the winds would 
cease to blow, and all nature would be virtually dead. 

Then, in conclusion to our theory of spontaneous 
generation, we must decide that the grand principle 
of germinatiou must lie in matter in its minutest di- 
vision. Therefore, reasoning in this wise, we arrive 
at the following facts: Since matter is susceptible 
of divisions and subdivisions beyond the ultimatum 
of our discernment, the atoms which are matter in 
its minutest form must involve the germs of all pro- 



54 



.NATURE'S HARMONY. 



ductioD, for there is where that all growth begins, 
and from these points infinitly small is where all 
nature's accomplishments are outlaid. On these all 
nature's varieties and species are based, and within 
them dwells the " leaven which goes to leaven the 
whole lump," and in them lies the latent germs from 
which all productions arise. 

And life, which in them ever reigns, shall never, 
never die, whether imbedded in the earth or regions 
of the sky. A million years may pass away, the 
atoms are the same ; a million ways they may apply 
unaltered as they came. And still in activ unison 
most freely they combine as willing agents to ac- 
complish nature's grand design. But, what is na- 
ture ? would you ask, and what would she attain ? Is 
not her labor all a farce, nonsensical, and vain ? If 
not, vouchsafe to tell us now the object and the end 
of her great wheel of progress, and how far it will 
extend. 

In answer to this problem come the mystical replies, 
from this field of speculation many vagaries arise ; 
but according to our theory the end will ne'er 
appear, each life is in the present and adapted to its 
sphere; so with atoms, planets, systems, through the 
universal whole; all substance nature's body and all 
intellect, her soul; and her life is all eternity, there- 
fore, can never end, and her works of evolution up 
from particles extend. / 

Then, as has been shown, everything that has 
growth was originally of spontaneous production; 
and this being true, if all the species were non-ex- 
istent to-day, and every seed and root obliteratedj 
the most of them would be reproduced. But the 
older the earth becomes, the less able she is to giv 



VEGETATION AND ANIMATION. 55 

spontaneous origin, as she is gradually passing that era 
of her generating power. The new species that arise 
at the present period are mostly allied to some of the 
classes at present extant, and most of them, doubtless 
the result of miscegenation. The lack of spontaneous 
power is occasioned from the fact that all of the life 
force at the present time centralized in vegetable 
and animal growth once existed in latent condition 
indiscriminately mingling undeveloped in the mate- 
rial; but now all the forces that are displayed in 
the growth of vegetation, or manifested by anima- 
tion, or appreciated for the operation of all machin- 
ery; all alike are generated from nature's great 
common fountain, and all that are appropriated in 
one way cannot cannot be elsewhere, as nature pos- 
sesses just so much and no more of each and every 
principle, and what is in one place cannot be in any 
other. Were all of these forces here alluded to at 
once robbed from animation and vegetation, and let to 
return to inorganic material, then all manifested life, 
as we view it, would be dead; but this power inor- 
ganic material could not retain, hence the life force 
would again result in the origin of the species, the 
same as it has done. 



56 NATUKJa's UABAIONY. 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

Since all the evolutions of nature are accomplished 
by action, therefore action is the grand order of the 
universe. But as motion implies the existence of 
something to be moved, it is obvious that devoid of 
matter a dead silence would reign. Nothing is in a 
state of immobility, for all planets move, and, with 
their motion, carry everything else, while all atoms 
are continually changing their positions in whatever 
substance they exist. 

Then, next to the broad principle of matter, comes 
the action thereof, and having already decided on 
uhe eternity of the elements, since it is impossible to 
imagin at what particular time this great universal 
machinery was set to running, we shall likewise de- 
cide on the eternity of motion. However, there are 
substantial causes for evolutionary changes, but, like 
all other principles, the causes dwell inherent in the 
elements. 

Then, as a rule, every atom is at work, forever has 
been, and forever shall be, but the action thereof is 
controled by a law, inexorable, yet forever silent and 
still. This law is subject to no modifications, and no 
power can ever transgress thereupon, still it forever 
abides as the fountain of all force without its power 
being in the least diminished. And this is the law 
that calls all things to a common center, namely, 
that of gravitation. And this, also, is the funda- 
mental principle of all action, for upon the basis of 
it not a thing can move, however diminutiv, without 
leaving behind it a proportionate vortex to be filled, 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 57 

thereby displacing some other material adjacent to 
it. From this it will be seen on how sensitiv a con- 
dition the universe is established, and how infi- 
nitly extensiv, through both distance and dura- 
tion, the slightest action may render its effects. 

In the action of force there illusivly appears to be 
two counteracting principles, the one to make a 
projectil go ahead and the other to make it stop. 
To these w« apply the name of centrifugal and cen- 
tripetal, the former being allied to attraction and 
the other to repulsion; but both are governed by the 
Uw of gravitation. In the first place, without this 
\dw no generation of force could occur, and if with- 
out it action could originate, there would be no way 
to expend the force; therefore it could never stop. 
This in a degree is verified by the heavenly bodies 
revolving in their orbits ; the heavens are so rarified 
they offer but little obstruction, while the attraction 
of the sun yields outward nearly as much to the cen- 
trifugal as it takes inward to the centripetal. 

As a rule, all the forces generated from the earth 
react upon it to the extent of the power exerted. 
For example, it is the attraction of gravitation that 
lifts the bombshell upward when fired from the mor- 
tar, and the action backward is just in proportion to 
the force exerted forward, and the same law creates 
the concussion by the force exerted upon the atmos- 
phere, without which no report could occur. This 
attractiv force upon the air occasions that which is 
lighter than air to rise, just as much as that which is 
heavier to fall. Therefore we establish on the basis 
of universal gravitation that all forces generated 
from the earth correspondingly react upon it. The 
atmosphere, the fluid in which we liv, is illusivly re- 



58 nature's harmony. 

garded next thing to a mere nothing, but it is vir- 
tually a portion of the earth, and a ton of birds in 
their flight press just as heavily upon the earth as 
though standing contiguous to it. Therefore the 
forces exerted in the use of machinery press some- 
where upon the earth an amount corresponding to 
such forces applied. 

Two things are said to hav a repulsion for each 
other when there is no affinity between them, but 
each, having a greater affinity for everything else 
than for each other, necessarily must move apart in- 
stead of together. Hence, primarily the law of 
gravitation is the cause of repulsion. It might be 
said that the earth has a repulsion for a balloon, 
therefore it causes the balloon to rise from it, but it 
needs no explanation to show that the earth has the 
same proportionate attraction for it as for anything 
else, but its volume being greater for its weight than 
the atmosphere, it must therefore rise instead of 
fall. 

Weight is based upon the laws of gravitation, and 
is a reliable guide as to the amount of downward 
pressure any material or commodity may exert in 
the same density of atmosphere. But the further 
we rise from the level of the sea the more ranfied 
the air, so likewise proportionately lees the force of 
attraction upon a body, as well as upon the scale 
used in weighing; therefore the same body will 
weigh very nearly the same on the top of a high 
mountain that it will on the level. 

Then, to conclude, we decide that all force is pres- 
sure, and all pressure is weight, and all weight is 
based on the law of gravitation. 

The principles of attraction and repulsion when ap- 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 59 

plied to the voluntary actions of animated creatures 
is worthy of notice. So peculiar is the condition of 
each creature in life that each is compelled to move 
in order to obtain the means to gratify its necessities, 
and humanity is reckoned with the rest. Therefore 
what we desire we seek to obtain ; and, agreeable to 
the law that prevails with inorganic material, we too 
are moved by that which attracts us. Therefore, 
when hungry we seek food; when thirsty, drink; and 
when weary we seek a place for rest; and all of our 
actions when fully analyzed tend to the satisfaction 
of our selfish natures; consequently, " self-love, the 
spring of motion, acts the soul." Many of our ac- 
tions are for the happiness of our fellow-beings, but 
this benevolence is as much for the gratification of 
our feeling as an act of a more sordid nature, and 
our reward is far greater for the performance of it. 
Therefore, by our voluntary actions we never do any- 
thing that we do not want to do, but illusivly it ap- 
pears, so, however under the circumstances, all 
things considered, those things which we do that we 
would hav desired not to do, we would even pay 
something for the opportunity to perform. 

Oh, wondrous is the f ountain whence the forces take their flight! 
Unchangeable the la^s pervade secluded from our s : ghl; 
So telling is the action which they generate through space 
That the elements all tremble from their power in every place. 
Thus while in hidden silence doth that awful fountain lie, 
Her agents beat commotion far through regions of the sky. 
In the heated breath of summer doth earth's fluids wildly play, 
Hot air through tunneled whirlwinds fast ascends and soars 



While a tempest blast comes onward sweeping swiftly o'er the 

plain, 
Pouring in a cooler current with the roar of hail and rain. 



60 NATUltJfi's HAKMOJNY. 

And the earthquake's awful heaving from her aching bowels 

display 
The dreadful power of motion which no forces can allay. 
Thus nature all he" labor doth, with industry pursue, 
And work's o'er old material to build up bodies new. 
Hence action is the order whereby nature's work is done, 
And onward to eternity flies time as it begun 
But the agents of commotion, sweeping all things in their 

course, 
Rise up from that great fountain of great gravitating force. 



SOUND. 



Closely allied to motion lies the principle of sound 
— a principle wholly designed to represent nature per- 
forming her labor; therefore, as a rule, everything 
that makes a noise represents the character of it; 
but the question is, Whom does it represent it to ? 
In this question comes the answer that such a qual- 
ity as sound would never hav been but from the fact 
that there are intelligent auditors to listen and ap- 
preciate. Not to infer that ears existed before 
sound, but that a design is expressed by it that ears 
should exist to diffuse knowledge through the sense 
of hearing. So if out of the qualities and proper- 
ties that nature possesses, the ear of understanding 
originates, then the inference is that in the past, 
present, and future the ear of understanding was, is, 
and forever shall be. How can nature form the ear 
without the appreciation of sound itself, whereby 
the necessity of this organ is known ? 

There are many curious and very illusiv things in 
relation to acoustics, but it is not our province here 
to expatiate upon them. Iu the first place, without 



SOUND. 61 

motion there could be no noise, for sound is conveyed 
by motion. The universe is constantly full of music 
— the waves of sound are forever vibrating wherever 
there is the least manifestation of action. There is 
no place to be found where a sensitiv ear cannot 
hear a noise of some kind. We cannot hide from 
it. But even outside of the various noises audible 
to us, there are thousand* of noises that we do not 
hear, as the audiphone attests, showing that nature's 
music will pervade, whether animated ears listen 
thereto or not. The waves of sound vibrate upon 
the densities and through the atmosphere, from all 
the action of nature, until a perpetual roar is cre- 
ated by the everlasting commotion of noises. But 
the ear becomes unconscious to many of the noises 
made, especially to those that foiever dwell upon it, 
while other sounds less in violence and power are 
distinctly heard. The sea-faring man scarcely real- 
izes the roaring of the ocean, while the landsman 
when on the ocean's shore can scarcely hear anything 
else. 

As a rule, the waves of vibration are weakened in 
proportion to the distance they hav traversed, but 
doubtless they extend much further than is generally 
supposed, judging from the data of our inaeute ears. 

In the conveyance of sound, a corresponding mo- 
tion attends it, and the sensitiv qua'ity of material is 
clearly exemplified by the necessary trembling of 
every atom or fiber of substance by which, it is con- 
veyed. The key or pitch of sound is represented by 
the number of vibrations per second, therefore the 
tensity or intensity of the vibrations represents the 
key; and upon this basis the science of music is 
established. Too slow a degree of vibrations is pro- 



62 nattjbe's harmony. 

ductiv of no perceivable sound, while too great an 
intensity is followed by a similar result. 

In applying this portion of the subject to our 
theme, we include, as we hav already inferred, that 
this quality is established in nature, in behalf of 
animated creatures and intelligent beings; first, as a 
warning for the preservation of life; second, as a 
means of communication; and thirdly, as an inoentiv 
to intellectuality. 

How clothed in hidden mystery, the principles of sound ; 
How great the variations which doth everywhere abound ! 
Why does the constant music in our ears forever pour, 
Likewise this wild commotion with its eveilastir g roar ? 
Why need the fields and woodlands all th^e choristers sat 

free, 
With such exultant music to express their joyful alee ? 
Why needs the hunter's rifle to so potently declare, 
The danger of the missil swiftly hurtling through the air ? 
Go listen to the billows wildly beating on the strand, 
Go step unto the accents of some instrumental band, 
Or else pray turn your footsteps to the cool, sequestered grove, 
Listen to the lowing cattle there, likewise the cooing dove, 
Or hearken to the church bell, which sublimely tolls the hour 
When man's praises shall be offered to appease God's awful 

power. 
Listen to all nature's music, which in wisdom was designed, 
As mandate to the hearing for development cf mind, 
Then ask, Would these grand principles eternally pervade 
Except they were to be applied for intellectual aid ? 



LIGHT. 

Another of nature's essential qualities is light. 
Without it not a plant could vegetate ; not an animal 
could organize, and to our understanding the uni- 



LIGHT. 63 

verse would be of no practical utility, because it 
would make everything else useless also, and of no 
more value than a blank, barren infinity of nothing- 
ness. Like sound, it is closely allied to gravitation, 
primarily depending upon it for its generativ prod- 
uct; being wholly subject to the action of material- 
ity for its existence. Light, like sound, is one of the 
imponderable agents, but both possess more power- 
ful effects than many other things of actual weight; 
and a noise sufficiently violent will create deafness, 
and a light sufficiently brilliant will create blindness, 
showing that too much of either than intended for 
the eye or ear will even destroy them. 

As a rule, excluded from the light, all nature 
sleeps; and with returning light everything assumes 
the wakeful state of action. This is the case with 
all vegetation, and it is the natural time for sleep 
with all animation. Hence the provision of day and 
night ; the former for labor, the latter for rest. 
The earth's diurnal motion renders these regular 
changes to every side of it, while the earth's inclina- 
tion to the plane of her orbit brings the seasons 
in order, whereby nature makes the great solar 
lamp, the sun, the most useful possibly for the pur- 
pose. Other worlds are also lighted up by the same 
great luminary, and the fact will not be overlooked 
that nearly every one is set in the heavens on an in- 
clination to the plane of its orbit, thus accommo- 
dating them all as far as possible to all the advan- 
tages of light and heat. 

But since to us daily appears and disappears this 
great orb of light, we are prone to question what it 
is, of what it consists, and what constitutes the light. 
How was this light originally produced? and why 



64 .nature's harmony. 

was not our world as much heir to such a divine leg- 
acy as the sun, or any other heavenly body? It is 
impossible to reason correctly from any other hy- 
pothesis than from established facts, and conse- 
quently from tv hat we know. Now there are certain 
conditions upon which light is made manifest, and 
is displayed in various way*, from the innocent taper 
up to the dreadful conflagration. What is it? Sim- 
ply the rapid dissolution of material under the dis- 
organizing influence of gaseous combination. This 
operation is characterized by an exceeding friction 
from the rapid action of oxygen in combustion with 
imflammable gaseous substance, whereby heat is gen- 
erated, and when this heat reaches a high enough 
degree of temperature ignition takes place. There- 
fore the same conditions that create heat, when in- 
tensified, create fire, consequently productiv of light- 
Now nature is judicious in her work, and economical 
in her principles, and since we discover on what con- 
ditions the light of fire is produced, may it not seem 
plausible that the same, when enlarged and intensi- 
fied, would be productiv of proportionately more ex- 
tensiv illumination ? 

A word mce in reference to heat and fire may not 
be out of place here. Nothing is truly inflammable 
until it is reduced to a gaseous state. Wood will not 
burn, but heat will reduce it to a condition of car- 
bonic acid gas, and as soon as this begins to combine 
with oxygen ignition is the result. Now this is one 
way by which light can be produced, and as nature 
has but one way to accomplish one object, therefore 
be it established that friction makes heat; that heat 
makes fire, and that fire maked lignt. Then the idea 
of the sun's being a livid body of fire, claimed long 



LIGHT. 65 

since to hav been exploded, we resume again; and 
his radiant beams of gushing effulgence, making 
glad both ocean and land, vegetation and animation, 
with serene daylight, are but the radiation of light, 
produced from the great fire of all fires. 

But some will question if the phosphorescence dis- 
played from beneath the delicate wings of the fire- 
fly, or that exhibited by the glow-worm brushing its 
body with its tail, is not an exception to our estab- 
lished rule ? We must answer, No ! Some material 
manifests the presence of light at a very moderate 
degree of temperature. Even the rapid decomposi- 
tion undergoing with touch- wood, or amimal matter 
when in a state of putrefaction, at a time when it is 
heated and the dew is falling upon it, a misty halo 
has been known to float above it from the effects of 
phosphorescent effervescence. While some things 
will light into a flame at a temperature that you can 
submit your hand to the blaze without injury, others 
will burn to a blister without coming in contact with 
them, even before their color has changed to redness. 
A temperature of sufficient intensity creates redness, 
and by increasing the intensity to a high enough 
degree it reaches the utmost perfection of whiteness. 

It seems mysterious how a ball of fire in the 
heavens can continue to burn for millions of years 
without any diminution of either light or heat, and 
furnish both to as many as two hundred heavenly 
bodies, which are revolving around it in this solar 
system, penetrating a distance of over twenty-seven 
hundred millions of miles of dungeon darkness, and 
thrice colder than zero, and yet offering to all in 
kindness his genial rays of warmth and light, as each 
rolls onward in its magnificent grandeur, basking 



66 nature's babmony. 

in rich flood, pouring forth in beneficent glory 
from this most royal and heavenly fireside. But 
when we reckon the mass of material in the aggre- 
gate, which the said two hundred heavenly bodies 
revolving around the sun would constitute, and find 
that it would take ten hundred thousand times as 
large a mass as all of them would make to equal the 
dimensions of the sun, and then consider the fact 
that a portion of material from him, equally hot and 
light as his entire mass, of the size of a small marble 
would afford as much heat as a good parlor stove, 
and as much light as ten or a dozen good kerosene 
lamps, we will no longer wonder at his brilliancy, 
glaring heat, or sublime power. 

We will here not forget to state that while the 
utmost darkness is the most perfect transmitter of 
light, the lowest degree of temperature in the rari- 
fied space of the heavens is the most perfect trans- 
mitter of heat. Neither the light nor the heat is 
absorbed in its transit, so that when they strike 
a heavenly body the whole force of both are ren- 
dered. But a few miles away from the earth it is not 
only very cold, but quite dark, for the light and heat 
reaching there are not radiated directly from the 
sun, but reflected from the earth. 

In the appropriation of this principle to my theme 
its appliance is allied to the organ of vision. Had 
nature found it unnecessary to hav provided the uni- 
verse with light her creatures would hav needed no 
eyes wherewith to grovel in darkness. This is ex- 
emplified by the absence of eyes with the fish found 
in the caves, and some animals living entirely se- 
cluded from the light. 



LIGHT. 67 

ODE TO THE SUN. 
Behold the radiant orb of light in rich effulgence rise, 
And, gushingly saluting all, mount upward to the skies ! 
How broad and generous thy light shines equally on all, 
As, highly- favored, forward rolls each grand celestial ball ! 
Each day and year, forever yielding thy accustomed force, 
Thou seemest as each planet turns to circle in thy course. 
All basking in voluptuous warmth, thy children round thee run 
As if each conscious that th-ir life depended on the sun. 
Our little world, a sample sphere, awakens to thy light, 
The hum of busy toil supplants the hush of silent night. 
All eyes are open to behold the glory of thy beams, 
Which were in darkness closed in sleep and laboring in dreams. 
Imponderable thy light and heat, yet powerful thy sway. 
If- thou wert stricken out no life could scarce abide a day. 
The deviations of our earth by inclinations made 
How forcibly by all is felt and earnestly obeyed ! 
The rays of incidence, when bent but slightly more oblique, 
Bring wintry blasts instead of summer breezes mild and meek, 
And revolutionizes all such portions of our globe, 
And spreads, instead of carpet-green, a snow and icy robe. 
"Rut earth glides onward in her course, and, turning as she flies, 
Brings down more vertical thy rays and genial warmth sup- 
plies — 
Returns again the sarpet-green and smiling, flowery lawn, 
More charming far in loveliness for having long been gone — 
Returns again on rapid wings the warblers of the air, 
To liv the summer season here beneath thy loving care. 
And this great change from summer's heat to winter's piercing 

cold 
Rests subject to thy radiant power and by thy heat controled ; 
And this great change from brilliant day to dark and tilent 

night 
Rests subject to thy power through the agency of light. 
Then kindle up thy fires with the worlds that circle near 3 
Renew thy force of light and heat, though dark spots should 

appear ; 
Diffuse thy rays through solar space — like lightning let them fly 
In darkness on electric wings forever through the sky. 



NATURKS HA.UMONY. 



INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT. 

COLOR. 

We hav but little space to appropriate to this sub- 
ject, and must use it at the best advantage. Color 
is but the effect produced upon the mind through the 
agency of the eye, from the different conditions of 
light, and is therefore immaterialistic, and only 
the product of the different degrees that material 
possesses of absorbing the light. Pure sunlight 
contains the qualities of developing seven pri- 
mary or prismatic colors, and by the blending of 
these colors pure white light is the result. This is 
easily demonstrated by the use of the solar spectrum, 
showing that by the refraction of a prism the light 
is dispersed so as to create these seven colors on the 
screen, and these are displayed in their order in pro- 
portion to the degree of intensity the different re- 
fracts powers of the prism renders to the dispersion 
of the light, giving the effects of violet, indigo blue, 
green, yellow, orange, and red. This phenomenon, 
you will notice, is accomplished without the addition 
of any substance whatever, demonstrating that pure 
white light possesses all the constituents from which 
all these colors originate. 

Now, while these prismatic colors are made to 
remain on the screen, they are true colors as virtually 
as though painted there to remain a hundred years; 



COLOR. 69 

yet by your removing the prism, therewith you 
remove the action of the light creating the colors, 
and a flood of pure light will take their place. 

The refractiv effect of the light by the use of the 
prism is such that by its dispersion it creates the 
various diverging rays by trillions of angles, which 
originates the colors; but by the use of another prism 
in addition to the former, set at the same anglp, what 
the former prism does the latter undoes, leaving the 
light to shine through upon the screen without color, 
the same as if no prisms were there. 

An interesting experiment is to nicely paint on the 
plane of a wheel, cut from thin wood or pasteboard, 
the seven prismatic colors in their order, so as to just 
go around; then place it in a good ligh% and hav it 
fixed so that you can revolve it very rapidly. By 
doing this you so blend the colors that your whpel or 
dial will present an appearance purely white. In 
this way you can dispose of the fixed colors for the 
time being, thereby showing that color is bnt a phan- 
tom, and only occasioned by the different degrees by 
which different substances absorb the light; therefore 
it is only by what the material renders to the eye that 
different shades are created. 

Doubtless the reason why one substance presents 
a different appearance from another is the fact that 
the vibrations by which the light conveys the nature 
of the material to the eye are more or less intensified, 
accordingly as the tint or shade is represented, while 
the effect rendered to the mind is purely electric. 

In utilizing this quality of nature to man's intel- 
lectuality, its application is most sublimely exhibited. 
It is consistent with nature to paint everything on the 
outside, »o as to indicate its inner qualities, and she 



70 

always proves true to her text and all her optical illu- 
sions are merely the result of man's ignorance. Take 
from the world all these different shades and tints with 
which the extensiv varieties of animated creatures 
are adorned, the blushing loveliness by which the 
numerous vegetable productions are variegated, and 
the glittering luster by which the various minerals 
are made to sparkle in our eyes, it would rob from us 
one of our greatest primary sources of happiness. 
The grand earthly expanse, now variegated in pris- 
matic beauty, would become barren of all loveliness, 
and our eyes would willingly close forever to such a 
scene of monotony. But behold, nature has arrayed 
all of her works with outward colors adapted to the 
inner qualities; therefore we need not be deceived as 
to the value or worthlessness of any creature, min- 
eral, plant, fruit, or flower, even though there were 
nothing but the color to recommend it to us, were 
we sufficiently acquainted with the indications where- 
by nature presents them to our understanding. 
How, from the brilliant sunlight clear, these magic tints arise ; 
How in that which no color hath, such dazzling beauty lies. 
So common, yet unto our view such grandeur is displayed, 
We lose the loveliest features of these softest tints of shade. 

Though but a phantom of the eye, conducted to the brain, 
Yet through the mysteries of time this phantom will remain. 
The colors by the prism shown most clearly on the wall 
Are by refraction decomposed, and by dispersion fall. 

But colors fixed in spot or place, on flower, leaf, or fruit, 
Are there to speak their qualities, although in language mute ; 
For nature represents within, by honest outward dress, 
And tells more clearly to the eye than words can well express ; 

' And thus conveys unto the mind through hues, rich, dull, or 
bright, 



COLOR. 71 

The character as rendered by this agency of light. 
This gracious gift from nature's hand appeals unto the eye; 
The blessings which it daily yields no mortal need deny. 
Behold the sky of melting blue, while earth is robed with 

green, 
How never tiring to the view though nought displayed between. 
The fragrant flowers in richest bloom, with petals all arrayed, 
How kindly to the sight appeal in sympathetic aid ! 

The savage who dares upon them gaze, forsakes his knife and 

spear, 
And loses half bis vengeance while he dares to linger near. 
Bright colors — charmers of the eye — enshrine the heart with 

love, 
Show fairer prospects here below than fancied ones above. 



72 



OUTLINES AND CHARACTERISTICS. 

Everything in nature is peculiarly identified by its 
shape, and is perceivable by the eye where the 
density meets the light; and the shape they assume 
is necessary to individualize one thing from another, 
and is a provision whereby each thing may be known 
by its form and the space that it occupies. To the 
common observer, this idea seems simple, but to the 
second strata of thought it is sublime. When we be- 
hold the world of promiscuous beings, creatures, and 
things — and yet no two, either in character or out- 
lines, the same — we are led to meditate upon the ex- 
tent of the different forms that nature assumes. Na- 
ture, as if struggling to fill the void, has given place 
to the various kinds of life represented by the ex- 
tensiv species of animation and vegetation, and she 
has organized each precisely for the position it must 
fill; so that each, in the struggle for life, may seek 
its self-preservation without too much intrusion on 
the others, and at the same time hav the room 
economically, occupied. Hence everything has a 
form of its own, by which it is identified to the un- 
derstanding. This quality of shape, with the addi- 
tion of color, strongly establishes the true character 
of each being, creature, or thing to the eye of intel- 
ligence, on the conditions that each object is formed 
to fill its place, and, in the sense that it is appropri- 
ated, is an exact fit. The condition upon which each 



Outlines and characteristics. 73 

object assumes its shape makes it wholly passiv to 
the forces operating to form it. The stick of timber 
submitted to the turning- lathe may take the form of 
an ax-helve or a pudding-stick, as circumstances re- 
quire; and so it is with everything inanimate formed 
by the hand of art; which shows that everything, 
for its shape, is subject to the will of its maker. 
Now the mechanisms of art are but a secondary pro- 
duction of nature, because nature originates all art; 
consequently all that is must be subject to some 
intelligence for its existence. But the htfman mind 
is wholly unable to appreciate attributes afcove itself, 
and it may be a heavy surge upon the imagination 
to consider all animated productions as passiv to the 
hand of nature as the various artificial appliances 
are to the hand of art. But as man is only a part of 
nature, both his physical and mental developments 
being purely the result of nature's operations, the 
very fact of his works indicating a design proves as 
conclusivly that all nature's works must indicate a 
design also. 

The inorganic material which goes to form an or- 
ganized creature acts under the influence of chemical 
affinity, unconscious of the use to which it is to be 
applied, while the creature subject to the formation 
is likewise unconscious as to what form it will as- 
sume, or in what sphere, and for what purpose it 
will act. But when the creature is developed, we 
find it admirably adapted in its organization to its 
spiritual inclinations, and precisely fitted for the 
conditions of its sphere. 

In visiting the zoological gardens, it will be found 
that each animal of the whole collection shows in its 
very outlines its habits of life, and also shows how 



74 

far the range of its intellectual nature would neces- 
sarily hav to extend in order to sustain life in the 
sphere it must act in. In the works of man we often 
question why this or that portion of the mechanism 
was constructed, or to what use some certain ma- 
chinery is to be applied; but this question seldom 
occurs in relation to the various physical parts pos- 
sessed by the different birds, beasts, fishes, reptils, 
and insects; but it is obvious that they are not with- 
out their uses, and yet do still greater works than 
man in his mechanisms is able to accomplish. 

Behold the universe, complete, in all that has been done I 
See how the planets onward roll, as time doth onward run; 
See, also, minor things of earth harmoniously combined, 
Each acting in its proper sphere, exactly as designed. 
How nature's mold for each is given, endowed with form and 

size, 
To fit the nature of the life which inward she supplies; 
So all upon the stage of life may swing and promenade, 
And though in warfare deadly fops, in peace a social aid. 
Look to the pleasures pastoral, where sheep and cattle graze, 
How well their outlines represent their natures, use, and ways; 
A total stranger to the herd, in wisdom could decide, 
How people from such reservoirs with milk could be supplied; 
And from the wool upon the flock would leadily appear 
How well the fibers would unite, and rigidly adhere. 
The head with horns, hugely arrayed, most clearly represents 
The means of warfare introduced in battling for defense. 
The tails of cattle made to swing to bruah the flies away, 
Infers a common enemy each moment of the day; 
And all the qualities possessed, displayed unto the eye, 
Show well their adaptation to the spheres they occupy. 

Now seek the poisonous serpent which in charming luster lies, 
Acknowledge the mesmeric power that glitters in his eyes; 
Or watch how he meanders in his oscillating trail, 
Or like a broken branch suspends his body by the tail. 



OtJTLINBS AND CHAEACTBBISTICS. 75 

See with what awful power he draws the muscles of his frame, 
To crush his food, the body of his unsuspicious game; 
And watch his wide elastic throat capaciously expand, 
While holding in dread agony some creature at command. 
Now, satiate the hunger which the fast of months has made, 
He basks in the warm sunshine, and dens in some rocky shade. 
And with lethargic indolence, he drags his lazy length, 
Half conscious of surrounding game, nor mindful of his 

strength; 
But scarcely can I here describe all animals of earth, 
And demonstrate their habits or the object of their birth; 
Suffice, as has been stated, that each represents his sphere 
By shape, power, and dimension, as will potently appear. 

Ask why the bee can migrate so precisely in its course ; 
Ask why the eagle can command such great inflativ force. 
Why wings the butterfly its way in such a zigzag flight, 
Or why the owl perceives its prey more clearly in the night. 
Seek thou the curlew's habits, with its long projecting bill; 
Note how his fishing qualities surpass all human skill; 
Observe, then, how all long-billed birds seek to obtain their 

food- 
How natural they should be found near sea shore, lake, or mud. 

Next view the hawk with crooked bill, strong legs, and savage 

claws, 
His inclinations therefore must lead to carnivorous laws; 
So as a rule all crooked bills are ravenous for prey, 
This sign when in the human nose speaks strongly in that way. 
The gentler birds, granivorous, more innocent appear; 
Not formed for battle, shun the strife and flee away with fear. 

The crane, well-formed for wading in some shallow pond or 

brook, 
Shows better skill for angling than art with line and hook; 
The very shape his legs assume, through water smoothly glide, 
And scarcely is a ripple seen behind his cautious stride. 

Next view the fowls aquatic, sporting on the glassy lake, 

See them promenade in order, duck close following the drake; 

Goose following her gander lord, which proudly takes the lead, 



76 Nature's harmony. 

And favored all with nature's oars to render rapid speed. 
The features most peculiar, though, to all the fowls that swim, 
The foot so formed to paddle and the strong developed limb; 
And feathers closely matted, that the body may keep dry, 
And strong inflativ powers to assist them as they fly. 
Observe their inclination , and the broad, flat bills they wear, 
You'll find are well adapted to secure their chosen fare. 
But this theme ornithological I willingly will close; 
To treat it in minutia needs a lengthy book of prose; 
But each must do his thiuking, while the outlines I will draw, 
And you'll find in the minutia all things subject to the law. 

Now turn to ichthyology, a moment to detain, 
You with the fish inhabiting fresh lakes and briny main. 
We'll first call to your notice why some are short, some long, 
Some m Id in their deportment, and some warlike, huge, and 

strong; 
Some well adapted to make food for others to enjoy; 
Some broad of mouth and armed with thorns, for others to 

destroy; 
Some, like the turbot, broad and thin, to swim both high and 

low; 
Some long and like an arrow, slim, like lightning made to go; 
The sword-fish, with projecting jaw, must havit well applied, 
Attacks presumptuously the whale in belly or his side; 
And sometimes in his hunger will attack a sh'p for prey, 
And many hav been scuttled with his long sword in this way. 
But not detaining to describe all species in my song, 
Note how the faculties of each unto it doth belong; 
Note how the inner feelings correspond with outward signs, 
And how this principle is shown in creatures of all kinds. 
But this is the first lesson I desire to impart; 
The second is, What makes them so surpass the hand of art? 
Is not there in material some guiding hand thus shown, 
Or is there no intelligence except in man alone? 
If this your firm decision, then please tell us if you can, 
How came this wise intelligence so portioned out to man ? 



ACEPHALOUS SPECIES. 77 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 

It has been seen from the foregoing that each 
creature is organized to fill its sphere, and we now 
desire to show that the higher the order of animated 
existence the greater the necessary qualifications re- 
quired to sustain its self-preservation. Now, as the 
scale of life ascends from the lowest orders of proto- 
plasmic species of acephalous character, and develops 
through molluscan cephalopods and further upward, 
we discern that from the earliest appearance of 
cephalic or head development the condition of the 
creature proportionately assumes a more activ nature 
in order to obtain its subsistence. The acephalous 
species, possessing no power of assisting themselves 
to liv, necessarily are forced to exist through the 
action of chemical affinity, and by absorption the 
material is appropriated to the growth of their bod- 
ies. In this it would appear that nature was in small 
business were it not for the fact that every creature 
that ever existed originally has had to ascend this 
scale, and must even yet, from the time that fecunda- 
tion takes place, ascend this scale before fetal devel- 
opment is perfected for birth. Consequently this is 
a primary work and chief in all of nature's requisi- 
tions in furnishing centralized identities to earth. 
Now, all the life quality in the universe is virtually 
the same, and what characterizes the creature of one 
species from the creature of another is the source from 
which the seed arises ; for it is a law in nature that 



78 nature's harmony. 

the development must land in the sphere from which 
the seed sprung. 

Now the lowest condition of animation was neces 
sarily the first condition, since all animal life must 
hav originally arisen from nature's evolutions; and 
as we hav seen that nature provides for the life be- 
fore it is able to help provide for itself, this must 
hav been the situation in their earliest originality. 
When there came a parent to foster the progeny, then 
nature resigned her office as nurse. But when she 
gave the species their introduction she rendered an 
impetus for perpetuation by providing each with the 
power of propagation, and we scarcely need add how 
inclined they all are to make use of those faculties 



The life-principle exists in any piece of matt rial 
substance, and under favorable circumstances the 
vitalizing force is quickened, and by chemical affinity 
a vital nucleus is produced and increases through a 
natural law of accumulation. Thus in the form of 
protozoans these life centers lie incorporated in sub- 
stance silent and still, and passiv to outside action. 
At length the head begins to form, the pensation 
becomes more acute, and the creature, for it now be- 
gins to be one, feels the need of something thit it is 
compelled to obtain by its own exertion. But rature 
is very kind, and she does not mike rcq lir 'meats 
without furnishing the means of accomplishment. 
She therefore renders the prerequisites for aaibuli- 
tion. Action commences which stimulates physical 
force, creating a rapid development for still greater 
requisitions. » The means of ambulation become per- 
fected by then application and adapted to the char- 
acter and inclinations of the animal. The organs of 



OKGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 79 

vision, hearing, mastication, and digestion, also, be- 
come developed for service, and all of these addi- 
tional advantages are associated with proportionately 
additional requirements. Therefore, the higher the 
sphere of life the higher the source from which it 
receives its subsistence, and comparativly the more 
difficult to obtain. 

Now, all of these intellectual or mind qualities 
possessed by the various species of animation must, 
of necessity, be the outgrowth of their physical or- 
ganizations, or otherwise the spiritual inclinations, 
must hav given form to their physical characters. 
But whichever way it may be, it does not change the 
fact of the mind exactly corresponding with the 
body. Then, this being the case, it evidently shows 
that the office of the mind has no necessary jurisdic- 
tion further than seeking protection and subsistence 
for the material requirements of the body and the 
common comforts that may attend it. In reasoning 
from the data of the human species we find this idea 
clearly exemplified; we seek the development of 
mind as a means of increasing power, for we learn 
that knowledge in many cases supplants physical 
force and accomplishes what blind strength could 
never achieve. Hence intellectual ability is the 
standard of human greatness, and also the mark of 
excellence whereby man predominates over the 
brute, and yet all of his extensiv intelligence centers 
wholly upon his material wants. 

By the increase of population or the multiplication 
of the animal species it is evident that nature is not 
merely in pursuit of bodily development, for if this 
were the case, when maturity was once reached she 
would save the products of her labor; but, on the 



80 nature's harmony. 

oontrary, they only barely arrive at that point when 
she sends these physical structures crumbling back 
to earth to become inorganic once more ; yet there 
must be a definit object for which she is laboring, 
but it would be premature to state it here. 

The tangible facts that our physical forms are 
transient, need no explanatftm. While new beings 
are daily arriving, others are continually passing 
away, and if this operation, together with the marks 
that each leaves benind, is the only grand end and 
aim, it would seem that nature has made a grand 
fizzle of it all. 

Now, if it were the general order of things for the 
species to degenerate instead of improve, then the 
indications would point to an absolute extinction of 
all life in the form ; but, on the contrary, the order 
is to fill the world to its fulness, and the extensiv 
gradations are given in order to afford greater lati- 
tude to each; thus onward and upward is the prog- 
ress, and the end is not yet. 

But each identical life is a world within itself, 
and the vicissitudes attending it attend all of the 
same order. Alike in material organization, each 
alike requires the same food, and is subject to the 
same conditions in getting it; and the annihilation 
of one individual creature, in the sense of life iden- 
tity, is equivalent to the annihilation of all creatures 
and beings on the earth or in the universe, for the 
aggregate extends no further than individuality, and 
the joys and sorrows of one are equal to the joys and 
sorrows of all. 

We would infer, in respect to each birth, that na- 
ture adds one and loses one by each death ; but this 
cannot be so, for there are two sides to nature's 



OBGANISMS AJSD FACULTIES. 81 

operations, and from our standpoint we can discern 
but one; therefore, the birth here that indicates a 
death on the other side, and the death that indicated 
a birth on the other side, is beyond the light of our 
common vision, and to some will seem like fishing in 
deep water for speculation; but we are reasoning 
from the data of what we know, and when we say 
ihat nature is no richer or poorer from a birth or p, 
death, we merely would infer that she holds the 
principles in her own hands of both giving and tak- 
ing away. Bat whence the source of what she givs, 
and what does she do with the vital principle that 
frhe takes away? We cannot understand the exist- 
ence of anything without a cause, nor why nature 
should labor without an object; and we therefore 
conclude that everything taking place is based on 
design; hence the question arises as to what the de- 
sign is ? Man has a design in his works, and, as we 
hav said, he is but a portion of nature ; so also has 
nature her designs, and she embodies therein the 
operations of man as well as all else. 

Now, we notice that all creatures, including man, 
procreate through the impulse of amativ ardency; 
but none, through the influence of mechanical en- 
dowments, studies the result of their accomplish- 
ments. Still, nature takes her course, and, through 
natural law, the embyrotic seed is deposited, the 
fetal development takes place, and the infant crea- 
ture is ushered to earth. Do you see that hero ar ; 
results beyond all finite power, and that they must b i 
the work of natural laws ? Then, in this, and all 
else, can you perceive any design ? 

It has been shown that life and feeling are neces- 
sary to the origin of an animated body; and if this 



83 

be true, which cannot be denied, then this same life 
and feeling must pervade in the nucleus of all phys- 
ical organization, and therein represent all of the 
parts of the developed creature or being. For ex- 
ample, examin the animalcules of the masculin 
seminal fluid, and do not use a fifty-cent microscope 
for the purpose, but one displaying at least the 
broadest held for research that you can find. Ar 
range it to the light with the strictest exercise of 
ingenuity, and make your researches in a tempera 
ture of ninety degrees. Now see that you discrimi- 
nate what you are looking for from the great ocean 
in which it floats. Now, agreeable to the theory 
which I hav presented, I w*nt you to find in the 
form of spermatozoa, or life-germs, in this^uid repre- 
senting the character of the creature or beiag from 
which it came. And do not stop at regarding it as 
a mere animalcule, in form of an eel shaped wiargler. 
Examin still more carefully, and through the trans- 
parent film that enwraps it, discern therein the full 
representation of the creature or man, as the case 
may be. You will also find that these life-germs 
violently manifest the action of the life that dwells 
within them, and are presented to view by millions, 
showing the infinit extent of this line of stock. Now 
these infinitesimals hav their birth, an^ do eat and 
develop to the extent of their sphere and die in the 
masculin body; but they are not produced by sexual 
procreation, but originate from atomic action. This 
atomic life is produced by the duil affinity of the 
pancreatic and biliary excretion?, and the same are 
received by the lacteals and are quickened bv tbo 
arterialization of oxygen gas, after which they ar, 
commissioned to fill the place of the dead uUeri *| 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 83 

which is being cast away as waste matter. I hav 
Ung felt confident that these animalcules actually 
exist in the serum, but in a different type of life than 
is discernible in the seminal fluid; however, with 
any means that I hav, I am unable to identify them 
in any portion of the common blood. Their non- 
appearance in the blood proper doubtless may be 
accounted for from the fact of their comparativly 
dormant state; but when they are issued from the 
masculin body through the genitiv organs, and 
are transported from their testicle reservoirs in the 
great flood of seminal fluid, another fluid proceeding 
from the visiculoe seminales, two glandular reser- 
voirs located on the male bladder, and the peculiar 
affinity of these two fluids for each other is such 
that when they meet in the urethra, the animalcule 
becomes vivified, at which time action is strongly 
manifested, and in this condition it is transported, 
through the assistance of a liquid furnished by the 
f eminin body to the ovary, where it is deposited for 
development- As our theme does not call us to giv 
a treatis on the subject of procreation, we therefore 
will not tarry here to investigate all of the chances 
that take place in the embryotic and fetal develop- 
ment, but will merely suggest how similar is the em- 
bryo of the human, in certain stages of its growth, 
to various other embryos in the lower creatures at 
various periods in the course of their progress. You 
may attach what meaning you will to this sublime 
fact, but to me the idea stands out in bold charac- 
ters, that all creatures are of one life, and the only 
difference between them is occasioned from the shape 
into which the parcel is molded. Now when we 
look upon the giant proportions of the great ele- 



84 

phant, or the huge leviathan of the ocean, and con- 
sider that the germinating principle of their enor- 
mous bodies w.ere once too small to be discernible by 
the unassisted eye, it proclaims to us how teetotally 
unable we are to fathom the operations of nature's 
most common works. Still a few facts we can learn 
to a demonstration, and among them we know that 
the creature livs, but we do not know at what point 
of time it first received its nucleus of identity. 
We know that the youngest child can realize its 
existence as clearly as the oldest man or those of any 
other age, for this the experience of life tells us, and 
the manifestations of the merest insect shows that it 
feels just as acutely its existence as man does his. 
And from this fact we must attach the same impor- 
tance to the origin of one creature as to the origin of 
another. But though each creature feels its identity 
clearly enough, still not one of all the catalog could 
realize at just what point of time it commenced to 
liv; nor can it ever know at what point of time it 
will cease to liv, even were it consistent with nature 
that such a climax as the annihilation of the identity 
could ever occur. Consequently the soul principle 
can never lose anything of its own providing it should 
in what we call death literally cease to be ; from the 
fact that it was not its own possessor. It was from 
natural principles that each was forced to liv in the 
present sphere ; by natural law that each is sustainedj 
and it is by natural law that each is forced to depart; 
and each animal or being is in the pos3essorship of 
a higher power, and none are the owners of them- 
selvs, on the basis of the axiom that nothing can be 
its own maker. 
In relation to the being, we would not say that he 



OBGAHISMS AND FACULTIES. 85 

first existed because he wanted to liv; because if he 
did not liv in some primary form, he necessarily 
was wholly passiv to the power that gave him origin. 
It is therefore evident that each creature of being 
has a mission to perform for nature or primary im- 
portance to that of its personal or selfish satisfaction, 
which it performs without knowledge of what the 
grand object may be. We fill in this sphere a very 
narrow circle, and a very transient span, but long 
enought to develop our natures to the conditions of 
this abode; but as we grow older and become 
stronger and wiser, our exactions upon the comforts 
that the world can afford, become proportionately 
enhanced, and a continuation of life and vigor, for 
an indefinit length of time, would eventually create 
a monotony intolerable to bear. Though nature has 
marked no limits to the sublime grandeur of her works, 
but the mind is constitutionally capable of fathom- 
ing only so far; after which all new ideas gained 
are at the expense of old ones lost. Consequently 
the field for thought in time would grow stale if the 
mind were compelled to pasture too long thereupon. 
Therefore a provision is made when the physical de- 
velopments shall hav reached the climax of decrepi- 
tude, that the spirit may depart and no longer be 
burdened with its shackles. Then again, owing to 
the low and gross state of moral virtue, which doubt- 
less is more refined at the present age than ever was 
before, we are subject to many ills in life, injuries, 
sorrows, and sickness, not all from our own evils, 
but many from the sins of those going before us, 
which a more perfect state of society, and a higher 
standard of moral excellence and physical perfection, 
might easily prevent. The punishment from the bad 



86 nature's harmony. 

usee that we make of our physical structures is sure 
to follow; and aches and pains and lives clipped in 
the bud is a just compensation therefor. 

But this is a natural consequence from the age, and 
nature demands it to enhance her progress to intel- 
lectual development; and we shall hold man re- 
sponsible no farther than he has the power to guard 
against the apparent evil; for when we are made to 
see that greater rewards, and a higher plain of hap- 
piness, attend the conduct of purity and wisdom, 
even the grossest will strive to reach so enviable a 
position. The force of habit makes us all slaves, 
either for exalted duty or for works of degradation, 
and our mental qualities develop proportionately to 
the channels in which our thoughts hav run. But 
the censure is not upon man, for if nature has so 
organized him as to be lured to feast on reptils, 
vermin, and carrion in preference to good bread and 
butter and beefsteak set before him, then, for the 
present, we must expect him to follow the bent of 
his mind. But all humanity is not so depraved, for 
we hav the specimens of various social grades, reach- 
ing all the way from Darwin's missing link up to 
the most refined state of moral purity; still the best, 
compared with what the best eventually ought, will 
and must be, border but closely on a state of barbar- 
ism. But for fear of the odium that this idea may 
cast, perhaps the following picture will be found 
appropriate : 

THE POETS DREAM. 

Enwrapped in dream, he passed from earth, transported swift and 

far, 
Through ether space of frigid gloom, on heaven's celestial car, 
And far upon the dazzling world of Yenus was let down, 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 87 

There to ^njoy the bright scenes and richest luxuries of town. 

He thought he was a delegate to represent this world, 

And had by some mysterious power been to that planet hurled. 

It seemed that a committee there received him as he came, 

But were such grand and noble men, he fairly blushed with 

shame. 
Before them, with embarrassment, he stood in awe and fear, 
To stake the reputation of this low-developed sphere ; 
But they, in noble manhood, clasped him warmly by the hand, 
And freely bade him welcome, and awaited his command. 
They led him to a palace hall, most gorgeous, high, and wide, 
Where seated to its distant length, and filled from side to side. 
The people had assembled there in honor to his name, 
Where he was to address them, in his dream of earthly fame. 

He rose, and his unworthiness proceeded to allow, 

When they all rose to honor him, and made a gracious bow, 

Which stimulated confidence, and inspiration thrilled, 

Awaking powers, unknown before, as though it had been willed. 

And here it is, in substance, something like to what he spoke, 
Though much of beauty has been lost to mind since he awoke: 
I'm here a lonely pilgrim, to explore your radiant land, 
Unworthy of the honors, though, my presence doth command; 

Surrounded by such intellects as our world never knew, 

It is with some embarrassment that I appear to you ; 

But you will make allowance for our undeveloped state, 

Perhaps Time, in his magic course, may make us good and great 

But 'tis with shame that I confess how low and vile we are 
Compared with your endowments, in this bright and blazing- star; 
But 'twill not do to mention here our grossest deeds of vice ; 
You'll think me an impostor, or grow, giddy with surprise. 

Omr selfish qualities are worst, though grown from perfect seeds, 
But their perversion leads from sin to'f oul and murderous deeds ; 
And create lying, thieving, lusting, fighting, near and far, 
And often causes nations to indulge in bloody war. 

It makes the orphan cry for bread, and chill for want of clothes, 
And poverty and wretchedness still daily count their woes ; 



88 nature's harmony. 

And -often turns the beggar who comes groping blind and lame, 
Out. of the door of opulence, much to the miser's shame. " 

It makes the aged matron,* with her haggard features spare, 
And palsied hand, strive to obtain the means of scanty fare, 
And sometimes then be beaten by some cruel, drunken lord. 
Who robs from her gaunt stomach, the last morsel from the board 

It fills with foul licentiousness the low dens of ill-fame, 

And makes the maiden bear through life the burden of her shame 

Creates a loathsome invalid of some devoted wife, 

And fills the veins of infant blood with horrors during life. 

Yea, more, I've seen some rosy youth, who might in life aspire, 
Oft vanquished by a poisonous drink that sets his blood on fire, 
And then in wild confusion rage, with demons in his soul, 
And all from selfish appetite, that reason can't control. 

"Woe, woe, the dreadful evils that continually assail, 
In vain the transient penalty of prison walls or jail, 
Are able to confine the crimes that daily mar our peace, 
And in the very face of it our evils still increase. 

But 'tis beyond description, for no language can portray 
The state of our depravity, to you so far away; 
Although, between our world and yours, I'll draw a parallel, 
The difference, tho', will be as broad as heaven is from helL 

The facial features of our people living on the earth, 
Show not, like yours, the highest type of intellectual worth ; 
And in my want of knowledge, I now fail to understand 
Why you so highly honor me, from such a savage land. 

The men of honor in our world, in countenance look mean, 
Their facial furrows show the marks of villainy between; 
Their eyes display a glassy lust as vile as serpent's slime, 
Their crumbling teeth convey the stench of nicotine and lime 

Their barren capots, at the base, are circled with thin hair, 
Although their brazen cheeks assume a proud and haughty air. 
I see some hobbling on their way, assisted with their cane, 
I hear some groaning day by day, with agony and pain; 
And when I question who they are, and learn their titled name 
T find that some who look the worst are of heroic fame. 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 89 

Yet, to your great astonishment, they wallow in low vice, 
And easily are bought and sold to such as pay their price. 
And many in official chairs who guide the ship of state 
"Would sink the nation to become illustrious and great ; 

Too strong in selfish ardency, and weak in wisdom's lore, 
To gain the sacred laurels that abide for evermore. 
And striving to ascend so high in glory find too late 
They're weighed in justice's balance to their everlasting fate. 

Then, some who gain a worthy mark by some heroic deed, 
On eulogy and flattery so sumptuously feed 
That they're unmanned for future use ; and in their silly face 
Is shown how smart they think they are by their affected grace. 

But quite too many selfish actions in our world appear 
Tor time allowing me to tell or patience you to hear ; 
Nor till a higher social state was favored thus to see, 
"Were such depravity of earth so clearly known to me. 

Here all I view are great and good ; your noble faces shine, 
Tour eyes with inspiration glow with radiance divine. 
Your cheeks all hav the rosy blush of health and joy serene, 
And love and charity there dwell in glowing beauty seen. 

Your, heads, adorned with auburn locks that glisten in the light, 
Display the gold and silver tints in luster clear and bright, 
Which indicate fine quality of body, blood, and brain, 
As well as moral excellence, that in your natures reign. 

The cranial development would readily decide 
An intellectual caliber, deep, clear, acute, and wide ; 
And frontal lobes of reason, how precisely correspond 
"With engineering faculties the bassilcr surround. 

Your teeth in evenness are set, and white as ocean pearls, 
And vie in rarest beauty with those rich and glowing curls ; 
And were your great longevity by their perfection told 
A half a dozen centuries would scarcely make you old 

But 'tis not your grand qualities I labor to extol, 

But nature's high developments exemplified in all; 

Nor do I envy such a state of high exalted worth, 

But pray that such attainments we may sometimes reach on earth. 



90 

But will some leading character vouchsafe to me explain 
Why you are able to control the weather, wind, and rain? 
How you can grandly migrate so ethereal and high, 
And regulate your ballast for the surface or the sky? 

How you from water can produce the fuel for your fire, 
And how with fire you reduce the rock to plastic wire ? 
How you produce a solid wall of marble, polished white, 
Without the signs of seam to show were sections doth unite. 

And tell me how you thus unite phosphorus with a gas, 
To giv perpetual light by night within your walls of glass; 
And how that steel you thus combine with copper for its aid, 
To make a non-corrosiv knife with keenest cutting blade ? 

I learn that all electric lights long since were out of date, 
But never were their brilliant jets known to us till of late; 
I see you use the telegraph, but how do you convey 
The sound so perfect without wire stretched along the way? 

You also hav the railroads still in operation here, 
But grander in comparison as Yenus to our sphere; 
Your roadbeds are of solid rock, your rails of polished steel, 
And they that ride upon your trains no danger ever feel. 

Your coaches glitter in the light drawn by electric force, 
And run more rapid with no noise proceeding from their source ; 
Their inside finish, far more rich and gorgeous to behold, 
All decked with drapery of silk and burnished with pure gold. 

How oft the rails upon our roads are twisted, cracked, or bruised, 
And recklessly sometimes are left, when dangerous to be used ; 
I'v heard of railroad accidents, where bridges breaking through, 
Hav maimed the passengers for life, and some bade earth adieu. 

A broken rail once caused a wreck when I was on the train ; 
The sight was sickening to behold, of wounded and the slain. 
I noticed in the papers I was numbered with the list 
Of those who met misfortunes — mine a dislocated wrist. 

But scenes like these are common there, and 'tis rot worth your 

time 
To listen to disasters so unworthy of my rhyme ; 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 91 

So let me still interrogate more wonders that I see, 
Or what at least are wonders to the ignorant like me. 

How is it that your barge3 glide so swiftly in their course,. 
And with no manifested power propelled with lightning force ? 
Their motion seems so rapid that they skip instead of plow. 
Their transits must be dangerous, you doubtless will allow. 

How are you able to apply electric force and steam, 

To meet the requisitions of all necessary team ? 

And make them thrice more ready than our horses to obey, 

And travel three times further and much cheaper every day. 

And tell how you through power of will are able to control 
Material unorganized as though possessed of soul ? 
How can a life concentrate in a thing that does not liv, 
And where the spirit to obey the orders that you giv? 

Another thing astonishing I cannot understand, 

How you make mountains shudder by the music of the band; 

Or could, if you desired, lay your towers and buildings low 

By sounding on their key-note when that key-note once you know. 

But many are the questions that in weakness I might ask, 
But how to comprehend them all is no such easy task ; 
Yet still I yearn for knowledge, and I long to hav you giv 
My soul full to its limits while I ardently receive. 

I hav some fortune on the earth which gladly I would pay 
To see our world as far ahead as Yenus is to-day; 
But no such gross developments as ours can reach so far, 
Though I will ne'er forget the love I bear the blazing star. 

At this the poet meekly bowed, expecting soon to hear 
The answers to his questions, when a hornet stung his ear ; 
Xot long to make the transit, through the heavens did he roam, 
But on the hornet's business end . soon landed safely home. 

However, there's a moral worth attention in this dream, 
And has its application in connection with our theme — 
It shows the onward progress that each planet doth attend, 
And how the lower forms of life develop and ascencl. 



94 nature's 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES.— CONTINUED- 

In our visionary description of Venus, we hav in- 
ferred that her people were far in advance of those 
on earth in the arts and sciences, also in moral excel- 
lence, as well as physical perfection; but to hav any 
actual knowledge of such a fact, we would not claim, 
yet we hav our conjectures, and will take pleasure in 
presenting them for what they are worth. 

In the first place, as we are unable to pursue suc- 
cessfully the intellectual faculties pertaining to the 
various grades of animated creatures, without con- 
sidering the source from which they all sprung, we 
are compelled to make reference to the organisms 
represented in the great family of the solar system. 

If the solar system be regarded as a family circle, 
then, reasoning from analogy, some of the children 
would naturally be older than others, strongly infer, 
ring that no two planets are of the same age. We 
hav, then, in the solar system, an association of 
primary planets, asteroids, or diminutiv planets, and 
also secondary satellite planets, all positioned at 
different distances from the sun or solar center, each 
continually performing revolutions around that great 
common center, and all together constituting one 
grand and magnificent wheel, with all parts running 
the same way, and all revolving on the same plain. 

There hav been discovered, by astronomical obser- 
yations, over two hundred members of this great 






ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES 



95 



celestial family, and yet, in the vast expanse of our 
solar region, it is probable that there are thousands 
yet undiscovered, too diminutiv to be reached by the 
telescope. 

Of the heavenly bodies known to the intelligence 
of man, these various members present very different 
aspects, showing that no two are alike in any pecul- 
iarity, and yet all are similar in their organizations. 
But while some approximate close to the solar 
center, some hold a medium line, and others are 
balanced in ethereal space, and floating onward in 
their orbits far to the outer limits. 

Now, in studying the nature of these heavenly 
bodies, we discover that they are all defimtly organ- 
ized and systematized, and as we know of nothing in 
nature so constituted except that it had an origin 
and is of progressiv development, we shall believe, 
and, on the basis of analogy, feel confident that 
these celestial bodies are of actual birth, growth, 
and maturity, and also that their dissolution will 
eventually be certain. There seems to be a certain 
design displayed, by the existence of each individual 
thing, being, or creature, and when the climax of 
that design is reached, they all disappear. And, as 
it is so with all else, the planets are subject to the 
same conditions. 

In considering the progressiv developments of the 
planets, there is one of which we know more of than 
any of the rest, and that is the one on which we liv; 
therefore, in studying the characters of the others, 
we will use earth as a data upon which to base our 
reasoning. The design of earth, in a measure, we 
can understand, and the other planets, being similar 
in organization, would infer a similar design; and 



96 nature's harmony. 

having all come out of the same great ocean of ma- 
terial, it would be only reasonable to suppose that 
they were all possessed of the same elemental prop- 
erties, which inference, the use of the spectroscope 
substantiates; and, as we hav already stated, what 
earth will produce at a certain age, another planet 
will produce at a similar age of its development. 

It is doubtless impossible to arrive, with any pre- 
cision, at the age of any planet, but by certain con- 
ditions known to us, we can approximate > ery closely 
to their comparativ ages, thereby reaching almost to 
a degree of certainty their true conditions of devel- 
opment; however, there are many modifications to be 
considered, as well as numerical calculations to be 
made, in order to grasp such knowledge. 

The principles by which therlistances are com- 
puted, the volumes measured, the weights attained, 
the specific gravities sought, the axial rotation known, 
and the velocities of motion in their orbits obtained, 
are all easy to the practical astronomer, and from 
the data of these conditions we base our theory of 
progressiv development. 

We notice that the nearer the planets are posi- 
tioned to the sun, the greater is their specific grav- 
ity, and the slower their axial rotation, and the f aste r 
they move in their orbits. There is some deviation 
from this rule, but it is occasioned from certain modi- 
fications, clearly to be understood, but too intricate 
to describe to make practical here. For example, we 
will suppose a planet eleven millions of miles from 
the sun, to which we will apply the name of Anti- 
Mercury, and in proportion to his nearness to the sun 
we will consider him 2,000 miles in diameter, being 
very solidified, his internal heat having nearly sub- 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 97 

sided. To his exceeding compactness, we will render 
a specific gravity of nine, and make his comparativ 
attractiv force with the sun to correspond, whereby, 
in order to sustain his equilibrium, he must run in 
his orbit at the velocity of about eighty miles per 
second ; and in order to make his axial rotation cor- 
respond with such powerful gravitating force, it 
must take him at least forty hours to revolve on his 
axis. 

Now we will come to the established fact of Mer- 
cury proper, positioned in his orbit thirty-six millions 
of miles from the sun, running at a velocity of thirty 
miles per second, and sustaining a specific gravity of 
seven, or seven times heavier per volume than water. 
His magnitude being much less than that of earth, 
being only about 3,000 miles in diameter, his axial 
rotation is about twenty-four hours and six minutes; 
but with a magnitude equal that of the earth, it 
would require more time to revolve on his axis. 

Now Anti-Mercury we regard as being much 
older than Mercury proper, from the fact that his 
gravity is so much greater, which shows that he has 
had more time to mature. He has passed the ulti- 
matum of his maturity, lost nearly all of his internal 
heat, and is now from surface heat in a gradual state 
of expansion. 

Venus, our favorit planet, sixty-seven millions of 
miles from the sun, has a specific gravity of only 
about five, which indicates that she is younger than 
Mercury, having more internal heat and consequently 
less solidity. She is also still younger than the 
earth, as the specific gravity of earth is found to be 
nearly six. Venus being considerably nearer to the 
sun than the earth, she would naturally develop more 



98 nature's harmony. 

rapidly. Her closer proximity to the sun, and nearly 
equal magnitude with the earth, render a gravitat- 
ing force of the sun upon her greater than upon the 
earth, thereby forcing her in her orbit twenty-one 
miles per second, while the earth has a velocity of 
only eighteen. 

Hdw a planet may be younger, and yet nearer 
to the sun, is for the reason that it commenced its 
formation nearer, while those that form nearer the 
outer limits hav a longer time to develop while 
approximating toward the center, and are compara- 
tivly larger when they reach their maturity. 

In our calculating the age of planets, for conven- 
ience, we reckon as per specific gravity, each pound, 
as per volume of water, representing a million years. 
This givs the age of our imaginary planet, the one 
nearest to the sun, as nine millions of years, and 
Mercury seven millions, Venus five millions, earth 
six millions, Mars four millions; asteroids varying 
from a half to three millions; Jupiter one and a half 
million, Saturn about seven hundred and fifty thou- 
sand years, and Uranus and Neptune -each about a 
million. Now, by reference to practical astronomy, 
it will be found that the lighter the planet per vol- 
ume, the more rapidly it turns on its axis, and the 
slower it runs in its orbit. They are all governed in 
this on philosophical principles, and with such exact- 
ness as to allow risking our conclusions on the result 
of numerical calculations; then, on such conditions, 
with some of the planets nearer and some further 
from the sun than the earth, it givs us data whereby 
to calculate with a degree of correctness as to the 
period a planet has existed. Then, from the best 
calculations we can make, the planets farthest to 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES VX 

the outside in the system are in an undeveloped 
state, and for the present unable to sustain animal or 
Tegetable life; therefore, Mars, earth, and Venus are 
probably the only heavenly bodies in the solar sys- 
tem that are inhabited, Mercury having passed his 
age of productivness. 

There are many things in relation to the solar sys- 
tem that we would take pleasure in referring to, but 
as we hav already touched on planetary development, 
we will not weary the reader with a treatis on astron- 
omy, further than the subject belongs to our theme. 

There is one feature in relation to the planet 
Saturn which we will mention. The peculiarity of 
his rings has excited a considerable interest with as- 
tronomers, both ancient and modern. This planet is 
but a little more densified than a heavy compression 
of nebular fluid or vaporous accumulation, and the 
rings and satellites are of material in about the same 
condition. These rings are so set in the heavens as 
to hold the planet a certain number of degrees in- 
clined to the plane of his orbit, and similar rings ac- 
companied every planet at a certain stage of its 
formation. The larger the planet the larger the 
scale by which the rings will be represented. They 
are a great aid to facilitate the formation, as they 
collect the material from a greater expanse of the 
heavens, which eventually must all go to make up 
the main body of the planet, except what is necessary 
to form the satellites required during the develop- 
ments of age. Such operations as these are con- 
troled by the intellectuality pervading the forma- 
tion of these heavenly bodies. 

Now, the masculin quality which fertilizes the 
celestial fielos, furnishing the nucleus for the origin 



100 

of a planet, according to our theory, proceeds from 
the comets. Just what effect they giv to the 
ethereal gas in order to produce such a result, 
would be impossible to describe; but we know that 
the planets must hav their origin, and we also know 
that there must be a cause for it. 

The nucleus of every organism must be an iden- 
tity, and each identity, conscious of its existence, 
must hav had a nucleus with a sense of realization; 
but it is not from any sense of realization the nucleus 
may possess that the development of organization 
takes place, but from a principle acting wholly out- 
side of it, and the force reflecting upon the germ of 
origin, for nothing can make itself, but some hidden 
force gives rise to all organic structures. 

But " a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," 
and the nucleus once vitalized assimilates congenial 
atoms to the building up through the entire develop- 
ment of structure. Yet all growth has its limits, the 
ultimatum of which depends upon the life-germ as 
well as the congenial conditions. 

A i>lanet, as much as any vitalized being, feels the 
importance of its existence from the time the life- 
germ is planted in the heavens, and, like any creature 
or man, realizes the same sense of identity from its 
earliest infancy to the ultimate extent of old age. 
Through all the various changes of evolution, no 
change in the realization of self can ever take place. 

The fruit of no tree is yielded till the tree is hard- 
ened to a degree of maturity; neither does progeny 
come forth till puberty is reached, nor do worlds 
usher to life vegetation or animation until they are 
enabled to sustain them. Then all organic produc- 
tions spontaneously arise, for the means are equal to 






ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 10l 

the end, and the forces are all in the earth, and air 
for all the growth that originates. 

Then, returning to the earth, as a sample planet 
by which to represent a like object for which all 
other worlds were designed, when she furnishes the 
material to build up an organism, she likewise fur- 
nishes the principle with which to vitalize it. Hav- 
ing the material, she is able to supply it, but through 
what f orces does she render it up ? The material we 
can see, but that which actuates it lies forever hid- 
den. The earth is the great fountain of both quali- 
ties, but inorganic material manifests no sense of 
realization. Then whence originates the organism? 
Where there is no vital germ, no embryo can germi- 
nate; therefore the life-germ must lie enwrapped in 
slumber, ready to be quickened by atomic affinity, 
as early as congenial conditions will permit its 
growth and development. 

But the life principle and centralized identity, 
creating an animated body and an intellectual soul 
in a planet, is just as essential for its existence as the 
corresponding qualities are for the creature or man. 
An animated organism must essentially possess the 
material of which the structure is built, but there 
with it must possess, also, the life quality and a sense 
of its existence. Without them the body could not 
know whether it existed or not, for it would be as it 
is when the sense of feeling has left it. The ele- 
mental gubstanc* s may appear to be all there for the 
animated structure, yet the organism be inanimate, 
because the vitalizing quality of soul is not there ! 

The earth is the great reservoir whence proceeds 
all physical growth and mental force upon it, and of 
course it will not be denied that she possesses within 



102 nature's harmony. 

her, in the aggregate, all the forces she hag powef 
to manifest through her vegetation and animation. 
And if this be conceded you mus grant to either 
earth or something higher, an intellectual quality, 
not only equal, but greater than all that is or can be 
manifested by her transient beings, for the means 
must be equal to the ends. 

Now, we reason only from what we know, and we 
know that there is such a principle as identity and 
intellectuality, and we furthermore know that these 
principles could never be concentrated in the various 
organisms that manifest them, unless they came from 
somewhere. It is evident that small quantities of 
material, are taken from larger quantities, since a 
larger cannot proceed from a smaller, and it is just 
as evident that all the forces that are inherent with 
material are subject to the same law. There is 
sufficient life force in a world to vitalize all vegeta- 
tion and animation, besides the unknown quantity 
left, and it cannot be denied that it is of the same 
kind that she holds within her, that she evolves into 
all beings and creatures upon her. Now, the greater 
the amount of material, the greater the weight; so, 
also, the greater the amount of concentrated life 
force, the greater the capacity for intelligence. Not 
to be understood that an elephant should be more 
intellectual than a man, for as much, and more, de- 
pends on the form of organization, its quality as 
well as quantity, and the sphere that the creature 
or being must sustain. 

But each creature is alike wise for the sphere it fills, 
for knowledge is only given as a means of self-pres- 
ervation, and beyond that, from the realm of our 
understanding, it is never needed. The creature only 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 103 

struggles to obtain the means of physical support, 
and all his adjunctiv faculties center wholly upon 
that primary object; but when the bodily structure 
is dead, no intelligence is further needed to render 
it support, for consciousness is then gone from it, 
and the object of holding "soul and body" together 
is then forever lost. However, in this, we must not 
lose sight of the fact that there are three distinct 
conditions of life or spheres, that each identity must 
pass before the developments reach their destination 
in this life. And these we know of, if scientific 
facts and logical reasoning are worthy of being a 
guide. 

We hav already made reference to the life-germ 
as a masculin principle, preceding the embryotic 
position of development in the womb, and that both 
of these conditions precede the life we are now living 
becomes an easy fact to comprehend. In considering 
the transmission of the life-germ in the seminal fluid 
to the ovary, and through the embryotic stage of 
development, it is evident that the animalcule dies 
to its former position of life, undergoes a metamor- 
phosis, and then develops and dies to its embryotic 
position, at which time the being is ushered into this 
life. That the same identity existed in the seminal 
fluid which was developed in the womb and trans 
mitted to this sphere, is not a question of doubt with 
us, and that the same will be perpetuated through- 
out the same circle to a new life on earth, on propor- 
tionately a higher plane, is the theory that we intend 
to sustain, both by analogy and scientific principles. 

The metamorphosis of the caterpillar into the 
chrysalis, and then its development into the butterfly, 
is only analogous to the above representation; and 



104 nature's harmony. 

» hroughout these changes it is obvious that the same 
sense of realization prevails, in one as in another, 
for how or why should it or could it change ? And 
even though the material of the entire tenement 
undergoes an entire transformation, still the new 
body tenaciously holds the spirit of the old one. 
The progress is upward, but when the gay butterfly 
falls in death to earth, its animation is no longer 
manifested, though to claim that there is no spiritual 
identity existent, because we cannot see it, is very 
bad logic, for that is a principle that never was visi- 
ble, and yet it is a principle which is most important 
and precious of all, and we will leave the testimony 
of each to decide. We are unable to see the fluid in 
which we liv, though oxygen and nitrogen are grossly 
combined with various other substances which com- 
mingle to form it, yet cities will burn down, and 
the material will ascend, and oceans of vapor will 
rise; and while in its comparativ density we ambu- 
late, still we behold it not, for the oxygen has crys- 
tallized it all, and rendered it invisible to the eye. 
How then shall we discern the essence of the soul, 
which is a thousand timps- more ethereal ? , 

Yet the perpetuation of the soul in man is not all 
to be considered The merest insect may, with the 
same propriety, assert its claim, for nature acts with 
impartiality, and were it not for the spiritual perpet- 
uation of the inferior orders their developments 
could never have ascended to the superior. Like 
begets like, and the animal spirit will only fit the 
animal body, and that of its own species; but in 
ascending the scale the superior survive, and that is 
where the missing link is to be found, connecting the 
higher orders of animals with the lower orders of 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES 105 

humanity. We therefore do not see from our stand- 
point the amalgamations which ascend the scale and 
approximate toward intellectual perfection; but one 
thing we do know, that if all the species are of spon- 
taneous production, originally, then the highest on 
earth must hav been the outgrowth of the lowest, for 
the best geological researches hav found no traces 
of original productions except those of the lowest 
orders of life. Now it is self-evident that there was 
some way by which man has got here, but from our 
theory it is no more mysterious how he came to exist 
than how a bug or fly ; for by the existence of the 
low orders, and from an actual knowledge of their 
progressiv development, the existence of the higher 
is a necessary consequence. The first man of ancient 
tradition, mechanically made of clay, with the breath 
of life literally breathed into his nostrils, whereby 
he became a living soul, we reverence for his old age, 
and would glory in having had so holy an ancestry. 
But the light of scientific investigation has rather dis- 
countenanced the old antediluvian, while we are com- 
pelled to trace our ancestral lineage back to the 
baboon, ape, and lizard, and frankly acknowledge 
our low origin. 

As we hav ascended from that low sphere, our 
mental faculties hav called for physical faculties to 
correspond, although in all of the spheres that we 
hav occupied the spiritual identity has been the same, 
and for ages to come it will remain the same. The 
number of lives we hav lived in all is in reality but 
one, and we are still living that same life, but the 
number of forms and spheres we hav occupied are 
many, and the end is not yet. The realization of our 
being continues right on, and although we always 



106 

know when our spirit is going to depart from the 
tenement, yet no being or creature ever knew when 
they died; and when transmitted to the next body or 
sphere, none will ever realize that they hav ever 
lived before. It may seem like poor satisfaction to 
know this, when we consider the "the sacred ties 
that bind our hearts in kindred love," but we hav a 
sample life on earth, and it is obvious that we cannot 
look back with remembrance to any other that went 
before it, yet the satisfaction of kindred friends is 
sufficient while we are permitted to enjoy their 
society, and we found them all when we arrived here, 
and in departing to the next sphere we shall be in 
like manner favored. As we take on new life, all 
reminiscences of the old is forever lost in oblivion. 
Our memory, even in this world, is often but a poor 
reliance, being frequently unable to remember our 
dreams, after we hav fully awakened ; then why shall 
we expect to be able to carry a remembrance of this 
world to the next ? A moment's reflection will de- 
cide to any reasoning mind the inconsistency of the 
events of this sphere being associated in memory 
wish those of any other. Had such been the order 
of nature, then there need have been but one con- 
tinued sphere, and such lasting monotony would hav 
created a disgust for life, rather than a love for it. 
And again, thig sphere is designed to be enjoyed 
while we are in it, and when we reach another that 
will doubtless be the same. The Lord's docket will 
never be read of our present deportment, and no 
criminal cases here will be tried in the next world. 
But the next life, as we will call it, is to be on earth, 
and not in the clouds or in imaginary space, and let 
us see why ! 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 107 

First, all of our happiness on earth tends wholly 
to our material wants ; and although we may imagin 
4< celestial joys of heavenly love," we will be enjoy- 
ing a real sc*enerylike "sweet fields arrayed in living 
green, and rivers of delight," and fancy that " the 
gates are richly set with pearls, the streets are lined 
with gold." Now, if such are the conditions, we 
shall require some place that will afford a good solid 
footing, and since nature has been laboring for mill- 
ions of years to make worlds for all creatures and 
beings to enjoy, it is doubtful if any can conjure up 
a better institution for the purpose. But the good, 
substantial qualities of terra firma do not seem to 
su't the fancies of all; some want to go fast and fly, 
and some want a mansion in the sky, and some are 
willing everlastingly to die. 

But the actual facts are governed by natural law, 
and neither belief, hope, nor prayer is going to mod- 
ify or change the nature of the future state, for it is 
under a jurisdiction that is unchanejable. All the 
world might join in concert with unison of feeling in 
prayer, for nature to veto one of her laws, yet inex- 
orably she would fulfill them all just the same. Not 
the prayer of a multitude could remove a grain of 
mustard seed, without the manifestation of physical 
action. 

But the higher the intellectual standard in this 
sphere, the higher will be the next, for raising the 
standard is the only design shown by nature's evolu- 
tion ; so to assist nature by becoming exilted in in- 
tellectual and moral excellence is our highest object 
of life, and renders the greatest happiness to us while 
here, as well as fits us for proportionately a higher 
plane in the next sphere. Thi3 fact h exemplified in 



108 

the progeny of well-tutored animals, as shown by 
their docility, and it is an established fact that per- 
fect parents beget perfect children, both physically 
and intellectually. 

In the production of the new body, it is fashioned 
from the pattern and molded to the conditions, there- 
fore every seed must produce after its kind, which 
shall indicate that the intellectual qualities are as 
strongly stamped as the physical. Hence human 
spirit will only fit human body; horse spirit, horse 
body; and bird spirit, bird body, and so with all. 

The habits of a preceding sphere are transmitted 
to this, giving an impetus for good or evil as the case 
may be ; but the instinctiv natures more clearly rep- 
resent this fact than the human, whose intelligence 
is more a matter of culture. The bird builds its nest 
with the same perfection for the first time that it 
ever does, for its soul has been the same kiad of a 
bird form perhaps a hundred times before, and that 
instinctiv quality is carried forward from generation 
to generation. 

There is a peculiar feature possessed by every crea- 
ture in existence, which creates an inclination in 
each to reach a higher degree of power. This is 
what givs that feeling of ectasy in the animal pro- 
pensity when the victorious one vanquishes his foe. 
This ardent desire to be strong excites a correspond- 
ing degree of will force, aiding both to enhance 
the assurance as well as to stimulate the physical 
strength. Such a continual pressure of feeling in all 
the animal species in nature, prevailing from gener- 
ation to generation, necessarily urges each onward 
and upward to a higher standard of life. This 
aspiring faculty is never allayed in any sphere of 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 109 

life. And where the desire is lost to wield by phys 
ical force, the exhalted ambition of intellectual 
superiority commences. When all the animation of 
earth was in brute form, which preceded the human 
origin, then no influence of culture could hav been 
exercised of social bearing, which would rapidly 
stimulate what we regard as exalted qualities. But 
now that animation has ascended to the scale of 
humanity, the influence of man has a bearing on the 
mental proclivities of nearly every animal. The 
horse in his wild state was not so well adapted for 
physical labor as he now is, since being domesticated 
and applied to use by the hand of man. It has 
made him assume a different shape, as well as given 
him a look of docility which originally he did not 
wear, and all this change has been occasioned by his 
being associated with a higher order of intelligence 
and subservient to a superior will. Therefore, the 
horse, associated with man, imbibes a certain amount 
of man's nature ; and man in return receives a certain 
amount of horse nature. But while the horse is be- 
ing tortured, and brought in that way from his wild, 
ungoverned condition, up to the docil and obedient 
servant of man, no characteristics of human excel- 
lence are lost in the operation of taming, but, on the 
contrary, further qualifications of human devices are 
introduced. 

So it is with all animals made subservient to the 
will of man. And it will not be denied that through 
the influence of domestication each animal is made 
superior to what it was in its wild state. It will 
therefore be seen that each creature, as soon as 
ushered to birth, is constantly urged onward and 
upward to a higher sphere. Even the necessary 



110 nature's harmojsy. 

conditions that must attend life are in a measure a 
continual course of torture, and the greater the agita- 
tion the faster the being or creature thinks. They 
that are nursed in indolence are the least conscious 
of the things around them, while those who are con- 
tinually spurred to aggravation, maddened to con- 
tempt, harrassed to petulancy, and grieved to dis- 
couragement, are those which by nature are chas- 
tened whereby that they may be exalted. Then, 
from the foregoing we infer that to liv is necessarily 
a condition to improve, and that nature's great de- 
sign is to work as much intelligence out of the ma- 
terial in the aggregate into centralized identities as 
is in her power. 

We hav already stated that human spirit will 
^nly fit human body, and animal spirit animal body, 
but the animal that approximates nearest to human, 
and from long associations has imbibed human char- 
acteristics, in death its spirit of identity may become 
the vitalizing principle of a human tenement. The 
question has often arisen, Why is it that certain per- 
sons hav a look that so reminds us of some kind of 
an animal ? In our acquaintance we know of a per- 
son who has received the appellation of "Horse 
John," from the peculiar resemblance his facial feat- 
ures bear to those of a horse. There are many 
cases that we might recite of a similar kind, and, 
although this inference might seem far-fetched, yet 
by an extensiv study of physiognomy we shall find 
that there is scarcely a countenance we meet but 
what represents, in some feature, a resemblance of a 
like feature in some certain animal. It i*, also, fre- 
quently the case that the progeny of a succeeding 
generation strongly resembles in character and ap- 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES 111 

pearaa«e those of a person far back in the ancestral 
lineage; and the wild and fiery colt which is some- 
times the offspring of gentleness and docility in both 
sire and dame is not without a meaning. 

In conversation with some parties, of professional 
merit, on this subject, they seemed tenacious to sus- 
tain the idea that the mind or sense of realization 
was virtually equivalent to the intellectuality, but 
we regard it differently. We acknowledge it as the 
source of all intelligence incorporated in the body, 
but not the intelligence itself; and we will try and 
show you why. 

We hav already said that centralized intellectual- 
ity is only needed as a means whereby to sustain the 
body, and through this instrumentality we seek our 
support. Now, if we knew no more than an infant 
knows, it is evident that somebody would hav to look 
to our wants, or otherwise we should fail to get a 
living. But because a child is weak in knowledge, 
that does not go to show that it is weak in feeling^ 
On the contrary, we know that it realizes its exist- 
ence just as acutely as a grown person does. We hav 
our own remembrance to substantiate this fact; but 
we hav no remembrance when we felt less clearly 
our existence because of our early age The feelings 
of a child are even more acute than those of an adult, 
for the reason of its physical system being more 
sensitiv, and less accustomed to pains from injuries 
and sickness. Consequently our consciousness of life 
is not a principle subject to development, while on 
the contrary our knowledge is wholly so. 

But intellectual development renders an impetus 
reaching to the next sphere, impressing the mental 
nucleus with an innate power proportionate to the 



112 nature's harmony. 

germ of life and favorable conditions of parentage. 
From this fact we find that some children seem to 
possess an instinctiv knowledge of almost everything 
that is to be learned; receiving ideas from intuitio^ 
as though they were facts previously known in the 
sphere from which they departed. 

There are many points in relation to the foregoing 
that we may hav occasion to refer to before we reach 
the close of this volume, but we shall endeavor to 
keep on a parallel with scientific facts, so that no 
lover of science who reads will need be disgusted 
with theories based on a false hypothesis, or without 
plausible reasons to defend them. 

SUMMARY TO PLANETARY FORMATION. 

Through the eras of time, o'er the fields never ending, 
"We gaze and we reason from what we behold , 

Through all past evolutions, to the present still blending, 
We read the grand order by nature controled. 

From ethereal gases spread wide through heaven, 

By the sun's radiation of forces unfurled, 
Spring forth the young centers, with the spirits that leaven 

The ether, creating the growth of each world. 

On nature's grand basis, they form in proportion 
To the volume of matter each center controls, 

And wax in the course of their endless excursion, 
By the force of attraction, and onward each rolls. 

Thus fed and sustained by the ether each enters, 

And governed by laws universal outside, 
They form and develop while revolving their centers, 

And balanced divinely, they never cohide. 

And therefore they run in harmonious order, 
And form a grand system of members sublime ; 

Each filling his mission, from center to border, 
Appointed to space and allotted to time. 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 1J3 

All conscious of life from their early existence, 
Yielding physical bodies for spiritual force ; 

And bequeathing life forces against all resistance, 
To the creatures they bear, as they fly on their course. 

SUMMARY TO SPIRITUAL IDENTITIES. 

From the action of matter, through the forces pervading, 
All the species of earth did spontaneously rise- 

In atomic minuteness dwells the quality aiding, 
And inherently hidden the central seed lies. 

The substance so quickened, doth vibrate with action, 
And trembles at even the slightest touch made ; 

And the vitalized center, by magnetic attraction, 
Applies all congenial material to aid. 

The form, embryotic, in innocence starting, 
Grows greater in volume and stronger in force ; 

While the sun is emitting his light and imparting 
His warmth to engender the life-giving source. 

Thus the atoms by millions in order uniting, 
Organize the molecules wkioh to the life join; 
While the lively sensation electricity thrilling, 
Creates the existence to fill the design 

In relation to the origin of organisms there are 
many important features to be considered. Having 
heretofore shown that the basis of all nature's opera- 
tions is the material she employs in her never-end- 
ing evolutions, and also having seen that a universe 
of material would be useless without the pervading 
forces which actuate it, we will now attempt to show 
the impossibility of a universe of life in the aggre- 
gate, and a universe of vitalized atoms, individually 
existing, without the necessary consequence of giving 
rise to various orders of animated organisms. Rea- 
soning from the standpoint from which we look, the 
very fact that animal life now exists, and that it once 
did not, is all we would require to substantiate the 



114 

theory of spontaneous production; but positiv facts, 
almost reaching to axioms, are often supplanted by 
mystified faiths, and it requires a great exertion to 
make some minds see straight. I am confident that 
many more writers on natural history would freely 
accept these premises were it not for a lingering sus- 
picion that it conflicted with ancient traditionary 
tales of the creation. Still a few suggestions will 
not be out of place for the readers in general. 

The action prevailing in any organized physical 
system we attribute to an inherent life-principle in- 
corporated therein, and it is not difficult to under- 
stand that the material in the aggregate must pos- 
sess corresponding actuating qualities, from which 
great fountain the organism receives its principle of 
life force. If every atom in the universe possesses 
its due share of life force, then the incorporation of 
atoms, in whatsoever form they may be, must not 
only proportionately multiply the inherent atomic 
forces, but enhance by the affinities and create a 
magnetic center, which incorporates all the power in 
one. Were not this a true theory in relation to the 
action of matter, then we must frankly own that it 
is beyond our power to understand how any evolu- 
tions or action of matter could ever take place. 
Otherwise all nature would be dead. 

The atoms of each of the sixty-four recognized 
elemental substances differ in form, size, and electric 
or magnetic power, and the latent force of any is 
scarcely manifested within itself, while from the 
effects of elemental combination great results take 
place. No action of growth can ever take place 
where but one element is employed, and not even 
the accumulation of one element can occur without 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 115 

the forces of other material acting with or upon it. 
Nature has use for them all, and although the pres- 
ence of but few of the simples are discernible in 
most of the things presented to our notice, yet 
doubtless the action of all are in some way brought 
to bear in all the operations of nature. All were 
originally common to the ethereal gases, and no ele- 
ment can come in contact with oxygen and nitrogen 
but what in some degree will either unite or mingle 
with them. Any substance may be reduced to a 
condition of ether and diffused through the air, and 
not one of the catalog of elements but what either in 
a state of simple or in combination with others may 
be made combustible. Gold and platinum, two of the 
heaviest metals known, and noted for their fineness 
of texture and non-corroding qualities, both are sub- 
ject to certain dissolvent effects, and in a condition of 
fine dust either will scintillate and be reduced to 
gaseous ether by the effects of heat. Mercury, an- 
other heavy element, under certain conditions be- 
comes very volatil, acting when rarely diffused 
through the atmosphere as an admirable purifier, or 
carrying in its more dense vapor a corroding gas of 
deadly poison. The diamond may be reduced to car- 
bonic acid gas, and be made to flash with a flame 
and rise to unite with the oxygen and nitrogen com- 
posing the atmosphere. All of the various elements 
were once subject to ether space, and like ones are 
cow indiscriminately diffused throughout the celestial 
regions of the universe, and, in the formation of 
planets, are in their proper proportions woven into 
the organization. These primary elements being ab- 
solutely essential to compose the earth, in order to 
accomplish the design for which she was organized, 



116 nature's harmony. 

doubtless the same elements, a ad in about the same 
proportions, unite to form the constituents of any and 
every planet of the universe. However, this sugges- 
tion might appear to be based on a very doubtful 
hypothesis, but on the conditions that similar agen- 
cies produce similar results, we are inclined to think 
that the premises will plausibly sustaia us. 

To a casual observer these elemental substances 
are often found very much out of place, but the vari- 
ous complex ways in which they combine, in order 
that two or more simples may produce such numer- 
ous kinds of commodities, are even more wonderful 
to the well-skilled chemist than to the unsophisti- 
cated. For example, if we were going to manufac- 
ture sugar, we would hardly expect to reduce it 
from such a commodity as charcoal, and yet the only 
elements to be found in the one are identical with the 
other, only in different proportions; and at first it 
seemed like the actions of a crazy person to attempt 
such an enterprise as producing the precious diamond 
by a concentration of the most refined particles of 
carbon extracted from charcoal. But the chemist 
was in earnest and meant business, and accomplished 
his object, and when the operation becomes 
thoroughly facilitated it will be lucrativ till a de- 
cline of price takes place in the diamond trade. 

A thousand similar examples might be presented 
to show the widely different products, resulting 
from the same simple elements, when differently 
combined. But we must pass on. 

The stimulated action that it renders to the simple 
elements by uniting them to form certain composi- 
tions is wonderful to notice. Two or three of the 
most harmless ones, whea separate, may beoome the 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 117 

most dangerous to handle when in certain proportions 
compounded; while on the other hand, two elements 
which exist with a natural dual affiaity for each 
other, as oxygen and nitrogen or oxygen and hydro- 
gen, are innocent when combined, generating life- 
force to all that inhale or imbibe them, but become 
deadly in their effects when separated. 

From the foregoing it will be seen how admirably 
associated are these elements, to accomplish the ob- 
ject for which they exist. Although we hav al- 
ready stated that there are but few of these simples 
that enter extensivly into the organic structure of 
either animal or vegetable life; yet as the earth has 
use for them all, as wa hav already implied; they 
doubtless allhavtheir effects in generating lift; force, 
and sustaining the electricity necessary to giv action 
and sensation to all living creatures. It might seem 
like fine figuring or a a far-fetched idea to assert that 
total absence of any one of these primary elements 
would in time render all life on the earth extinct; and 
what might seem still more vague, those very ones 
apparently least essential, if their necessities were 
clearly understood, would be found quite as import- 
ant as any others. Suffice it to say that they are all 
in some way essential to the production and preser- 
vation of animated existence, or assist in the trans- 
mutation of identities from sphere to sphere. 

We must here remark that it cmnot too impera- 
tivly render our regard to the works of nature for eo 
divinely administering to the wants of all living and 
conscious creatures and beings, afcer having produced 
them by the generativ effects of her quickened ma- 
terial; and when we observe the perfection in which 
all of these evolutions are conducted, we are assured 



118 

with implicit reliance that in none of her works hag 
she given either too little or too much, and that if 
there was either a deficiency or overplus in any re- 
spect, it might doubtless in some way create direful 
results. But how limited, comparativly, is the human 
understanding ! Not the plainest thing to be deci- 
phered can we trace to its ultimate source, nor 
scarcely conjecture the necessity of the inferior crea- 
tures ever having existed in myriads, in order that 
man should hav had his origin; but when the door 
is opened to the mind which clearly leads to this 
avenue of thought, we are made to feel the potency 
of the truth. 

It is wonderful to contemplate the action of the 
material elements to preserve even the egg of the 
infinitesimal creature, or how preciously in the hands 
of nature, the youngling, too small for the natural 
eye to discern, is carefully protected, fostered, and 
maintained. For example, a certain inferior fly de- 
posits an egg too small to be seen beneath the infant 
leaf of the black oak, which is on the feathery side 
of the leaf, after which she emits a fluid of a gluey 
nature in order to hold the egg securely to the leaf, 
and then delivers her work into the care of nature. 
The charge is freely accepted, and preparations duly 
made for its safety. The leaf does not die, but in 
its growth it gradually incloses and folds around the 
egg in the form of a ball, until it is impossible to 
see where the edges of the leaf unite. At the first 
appearance these little balls are very minute, not 
larger than a pin-head; but they increase by growth 
the same as a leaf, until they sometimes reach the size 
of a small apple. During this time the insect in- 
closed is undergoing certain developments which will 



ORGANISMS AND FACULTIES. 119 

eventually giv it birth to the outside world. At first 
it is fastened to the center by a kind of core which 
appears to hav been furnished by a luxuriant growth 
of feathery appearance, like to what is common to 
the growth of the under side of the leaf, but made 
more profuse by its being less exposed and stimu- 
lated by the presence of the insect. In my early 
youth I relished the taste of these " oak apples," for 
they were green and tender, and the shells were bu f , 
a little thicker than the leaves of the tf ee. 

At length a brother older created in me a grea', 
disgust for them by showing me that it was no ap- 
ple, but merely the house of a worm which lived in 
the center. I wondered what business the little crea 
ture had in there, and sought to find one that was 
not thus inhabited. My search was fruitless, and I 
came to the conclusion that the growth was one ex- 
pressly for the protection of the insect, instead of 
being the natural fruit of the tree. This was one of 
my first lessons in natural history, and I must own 
that its effects were so impressiv and deeply sublime 
that it not only left a lasting imprint upon my mem- 
ory, but stimulated the desire to investigate the sub- 
ject still further. As we now survey the habits of 
the myriads of zoophytic life, and watch the ovipos- 
itors in their precaution to secure their eggs in a po- 
sition for a safe incubation, or trace the course of 
development from the egg to the larvae, and the 
larvae to the beetle, or to the chrysalis, and thence 
to the butterfly or lepidopterous order, or stop a mo- 
ment to contemplate the complicated machinery of 
the saw-fly, or investigate the history of the numer- 
ous sea-urchins, pausing carefully to watch the trans- 
migratory life of the cirriped to its development into 



120 

the barnacle, and thousands of as interesting phe- 
nomena, many of which must from their minute- 
ness be displayed by the use of the microscope, which 
now continue to throng our path, we are led to ex- 
claim that the infinitesimal lives in the minutiae are 
infinit life in the aggregate. 

There are myriads of these zoophytes governed by 
similar habits, and some of which, it is almost un- 
necessary to add, in the end, become entirely differ- 
ent in nature and habit from the original ancestry. 
This, however, is not exactly in harmony with the 
idea of every creature bringing forth after its kind, 
but is one of the exceptions to that rule. Who 
studies the true history of the cirriped, or barnacle, 
and fully comprehends it, will then no longer won- 
der how a bud from a plant can grow into an insect 
when dropped into the sea, or how that hairs placed 
in a rain-trough can become creatures of sufficient 
life to migrate through the water, or how that thou- 
sands of equally wonderful phenomena can con- 
stantly occur, is beyond the range of our observa- 
tion. 

We would here state that we do not wish to evade 
the fact by any doubtful feeling of discretion; that 
we most decidedly hold to the theory of original 
spontaneous production; nor do we even stop there. 
The same laws that once would originate the organ- 
isms of animation will, under favorable circum- 
stances, do so now; and that same onward and up- 
ward progress, ever since the earth has been in a 
condition to sustain animal lifp, has been going on, 
and still continues; and yet the world, till lately, 
has never been able to look the fact squarely in the 
face. Traditionary mysticism has doubtless been a 



OEGANISMS TND FACULTIES. 121 

great obstacle to the progression of science, and 
often, when leading minds hav aimed at truth, pub- 
lic favor has so juggled the senses the shot has gone 
wide from the target. 

ASCENSION OF ORGANIC LIFE. 

The spirit of nature permeating all matter, 
Doth quicken each atom with separate life ; 

Which forever doth mingle through earth air and water, 
In harmonions action or contending strife. 

No particle easy, each ever is moving,, 

And always pursuing some object for rest; 
Some joining, some pulling, some clashing and shoving, 

"While some to a nucleus center are pressed. 

Some depart with repulsion, some join and commingle, 

AH acting as lively as billions of bees ; 
Too minute for conception, each atom when single, 

But united creating the land and the seas. 

Unbounded that wisdom — whatever you call it — 

The power that reigns universal — divine ; 
Controling each atom in whatever befall it, 

And applying them all in majestic design. 

All the principles extant for orders and classes, 

"Were eternally stamped through all cycles unknown ; 

And made to prevail where development passes 
The era for worlds to bear fruit of their own. 

Forced to rise ; sprung to life by material action, 
Ten thousand low creatures the seas could maintain ; 

Comprising those kinds, putting forth no exaction, 
Against the foul gases which around them did reign. 

The world rolling onward, in age still progressing, 
During each passing era, develops still more ; 

And heaves to her surface her bounties, expressing 
The wealth of her bosom still treasured in store. 



122 



As the poisonous gases into densities harden, 
The creatures more activ awaken to light ; 

StiJl no mortal can liv in the " Paradise Garden," 
Till, cycles uncounted, the earth wheels in flight. 

And ages roll on while the surface formation, 
Successivly changes from water to land ; 

Supplying new strata in the course of creation, 
Renewing her products with species more grand. 

Of eras full fifty or more we discover, 
From the Azoac time to the Mammalian age ; 

And a million of years must hav slowly passed over; 
Till man from the mollusk arose to the stage. 

Let us delve Cenozoic, and the fossils examin, 
For time has recorded by traces there shown. 

How the gradual steps from low orders — Mammalian— 
Hav reached to this glory we boast as our own. 

Next explore Mesozoic, the period Reptilian, 
Seek there for the records of life in that day : 

Seek how the ascension points to the Mammalian, 
"While onward and upward doth progress make way. 

Next downward still, go to the age Paleozoic, 
And read what was written indelibly there ; 

How the strata record in their various divisions, 
Higher orders of life to each stratum next higher. 

How the creatures aquatic link with semi-aquatic, 
And develop in water to inhabit the land, 

"Which connect the Reptilian with species Devonian, 
For onward and upward was then the command. 

Still another long stride through the strata Silurian, 
To those the most ancient that man has explored; 

And though buried a million of yea v s in oblivion, 
Still the Molluscan types doth their records afford. 

All these creatures of life, but a few, are still extant, 
Showing clearly to-day how the lineage ran; 

And no link in the chain is yet disunited, 

From the lowest of orders up to reasoning man. 






CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 123 

It would beggar all reason, that man's introduction, 
Was suddenly wrought through no series of life ; 

Such a sudden appearance would soon meet destruction, 
Unable to combat such violent strife. 

How that man, undeveloped to worldly conditions, 
Provided with neither his raiment nor food ; 

Possessing no knowledge to sustain his position, 
Could liv, do pray tell us, or inform why he should. 

The sphere unadapted for such initiation, 

TJnhardened to climate, uncultured to act ; 
Man would need to depend on the ravens for ration, 

And fig-trees for raiment, if such were the fact. 

But the question is settled, accept or reject it, 

For science has fathomed its depth and its hight ; 

But some will still hold to old faith — we expect it — 
Instead of embracing the glory of light. 



CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 

Man possesses all the propensities to a certain de- 
gree common to animals, but animals are devoid of 
the higher faculties possessed by man. The grada- 
tions are physically represented from the lowest 
orders without a link broken, all the way to the hu- 
man, and the shades of difference are very nicely 
blended, reaching to all kinds and classes, and yet 
gradually continuing the onward and upward march. 
That the mental proclivities should be as nicely 
blended as the physical is not inconsistent with our 
theory, neither is it with fact. It will not be over- 
looked that the dissimilarity of the various animal 
organizations is mostly represented by the shapes 
they assume, while the elemental substances com- 
posing their different bodies are nearly the same 



124 nature's harmony. 

throughout the whole catalog of species, especially so 
among the mammalian types. All of the latter bear 
a strong semblance in blood, bone, and muscle, and 
the same principle is shown in the ligament attach- 
ments, and frame articulation, also in the veinous and 
arterial, or rather the circulatory, system ; likewise in 
the systems of nerves in their ramifications. Even in 
the constitution of man nature has given no better 
material for his organization than for the organiza- 
tion of the lower mammalian types, and no partiality 
has been shown except in the form of the make-up, 
and that Iris more extensiv development earnestly de- 
manded. If the texture of the human system in one 
sense be finer than that of the animal, so as to sus- 
tain more electric force, making a comparativly 
strongly electric center for the body, it is only what 
is justly due, from the fact of having passed through 
a more extended series of lives. 

It is obvious to all that some animals are much 
more intelligent, and approximate more in shape 
toward man, than others, enough so that where the 
lowest order of the human connects with the highest 
of the orang-outang and ape species, the dissimilarity 
is not greater thpu the difference between the lowest 
and the highest of the human species. That so great a 
change may be wrought as making the step of ascen- 
sion at the period when transmutation takes place is 
not at all miraculous, for beneath our eyes we witness 
greater transmutations which scarcely occasion a com- 
ment. Even the egg under a state of incubation tun- 
ing to a chicken is a far greater change, and you apply 
this principle to every creature coming into life while 
in embryotic state, and it is far greater and more won- 
derful than the one to which we hav cited your atten- 



CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 125 

tion. The same life principle that exists in the frog 
doubtless existed in the tadpole, yet the spirit of the 
tadpole has developed into a new body — that of the 
frog, which is of entirely different habits. The many 
such evidences that nature has placed before us it 
would require much time and space to mention, but 
the mind of a thinking person once directed to this 
fact, it will discover more examples in proof of our 
statement than we hav time or room to offer. 

There are but few persons but what believe in the 
perpetuation of the soul beyond this sphere, but the 
nature of their future states, for each person seems to 
hav an idea of his own, is almost ludicrous to con- 
template, and when the inconsistencies of their various 
views are portrayed, some feel almost angry at "being 
robbed of so pleasant a delusion; but the facts that 
nature's evidences thoroughly demonstrate are so 
close that they are continually overlooked, and only 
with the utmost difficulty can be pointed out. It re- 
minds of the picture puzzle, representing the head 
and face of a person, but executed so in the style of a 
wild and rocky landscape that it was almost impossi- 
ble to point out the design to a stranger to the pict- 
ure, but when once seen it appeared astonishing why 
everybody else could not also see it. 

There is a peculiar sensation that everything feels 
that has consciousness, occasioned from the peculiar 
effect of the atmospheric or fluid pressure bearing 
constantly upon the outer surface af the body, and 
the corresponding pressure in the body bearing con- 
stantly outward. The surface pressure of the atmos- 
phere on a man of medium stature equals about thirty 
thousand pounds, and the pressure when in water is 
much greater than that of the air. This creates a 



126 

normal effect upon every living creature, making each 
to clearly realize the space it occupies, and answers 
in a degree as a guard and protector, and givs each 
to understand the nature of its existence. The organi- 
zation is a piece of natural machinery, the life-force, 
the power that drives it, and the mentality, the qual- 
ity that guides it where to go. The body is con- 
stantly changing; it is sometimes in a state of normal 
action, and sometimes in a low depressed condition, 
and all conditions of modification attend it; and the 
manifestation of life-force will always be found to 
correspond with the physical conditions There is 
not a muscle that moves, or the action of a pulsation, 
or the slightest motion, either voluntary or involun- 
tary, without it changes, in some slight degree, eyery 
particle of matter that assists to make up the physi- 
cal system, and the continual action that the body is 
undergoing is constantly manufacturing thought, so 
that every creature that livs is constantly dying, and 
also perpetually taking on new life. Therefore one 
thought can never be thought but once, for, to the 
degree that the body changes, to that same degree 
the mind must change, and any particular idea recur- 
ring to mind will always be clothed in a little different 
garment, or in some way be blended with thoughts 
which were not before associated with it. Conse- 
quently one event can never be lived but once, how- 
ever closely thousands of others may shade upon it. 
Every change that takes place in the expression of 
the face imperativly must be associated with a differ- 
ent thought. Not a foot can be moved, not a finger 
can be raised, nor the slightest change in the attitude 
occur without a corresponding effect upon the men- 
tality. In order to demonstrate this fact, try and 



CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 127 

think of the same thing twice, and if you hav power 
to take cognizance of your own thoughts you will 
find that the second time you will associate something 
else with it; then next to test how the attitude 
changes the impression of feeling and thought, first 
lean your head to one side and attempt to solve a 
difficult problem, after which try with your head bal- 
anced upright, and watch the result, and see if there 
is any advantage in being level-headed. 

It is well understood that all of the emotions are 
represented by corresponding facial expressions or 
physical demonstrations; for these various emotions 
are what excite the nerves with the electric force, to 
act upon the facial muscles so as to designate every 
shade of feeling realized at the soul's center. There 
are certain expressions which are indicativ of certain 
feelings, and where the emotions are complex, they 
all manifest their grievances, proportionately as they 
are felt, by telegraphing the same to the several neg- 
ativ poles of nerves excited, which ramify externally, 
and occasion a corresponding action of facial muscles, 
thereby representing the inner feeling to the outer 
world. We would enjoy giving a short treatis on 
" facial index/' but the subject is so intricate and 
difficult to demonstrate in writing, and so easily 
studied from the never-ending examples in nature, 
that we would direct the reader to the actual demon- 
strations which forever present themselvs, in prefer- 
ence to anything we could offer. 

To affect the positiv end of the nerve poles, which 
is at the seat of thought, affects proportionately the 
negativ, which governs the facial expression; then 
since the electric force can act one way as well as the 
other, to affect the negativ end by any mechanical or 



128 nature's harmony. 

natural means must in a degree affect the emotions 
of the soul. Many persons laugh when they do not 
know what they are laughing about, for the reason 
that their faces get into a convenient shape for laugh- 
ing, and it perpetuates the emotion. It is often the 
Same with children in crying, and angry expressions 
will prompt angry feelings; and feigned sorrow will 
for the moment create sorrow. The emotion of fear, 
wonder, jealousy, indifference, love, self-importance, 
and every inward feeling, is as clearly written by na- 
ture on the face as it is felt at the soul's center. The 
ability to read nature's handwriting, with many, is 
very limited, but those who hav turned their atten- 
tion to the reading of the emotions by physiognomi- 
cal indications will readily concede to the facts of the 
foregoing. Some persons are mentally more obtuse 
than others, and some are able to conceal certain 
feelings by the art of deception, but all of these feel- 
ings are also portrayed on the countenance. 

Even though grotesque features are made, the 
whole mind is comparativly acted upon. The actor 
of comedy or tragedy being aware of this fact, he en- 
deavors by art to incorporate the genuin reality in 
his soul for the time being, in order to giv a good 
demonstration of effect upon the minds of the spec- 
tators. We are acquainted with dramatic performers 
who state that in acting some sensational parts they 
hav cried or felt as genuinly terrified, or realized all 
the depth of emotions that ever the original character 
of the tragedy could hav experienced. This expres- 
tion and manner is what robes fiction in the garb of 
reality, and creates an effect almost equal to the gen- 
uin scene. 

The attitude that a person assumes when the mind 






CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 129 

is under the influence of any particular emotions of 
thought or meditation is a subject of great import- 
ance to the detectiv, sculptor, and painter. The pic- 
ture painted to represent the ungoverned impulse of 
anger, portrays the person in an attitude of wild in- 
dignation, with all the terror of his combativ force 
exercised to its most heated ardency, and even a 
child would readily discern what passion was in the 
representation manifested. The same principle holds 
good in relation to all the different traits of character, 
and you will find it nicely illustrated by artistic skill 
all over the world, and in nature clearly everywhere 
displayed by actual demonstration. 

It being a well settled fact that the mind directs 
the body, the character of the thoughts evidently 
must establish the character of the actions. The per- 
son who is delicate and tasty in his mentality must 
necessarily manifest the same in all he does, and his 
peculiar characteristics are in a degree represented 
by every act he performs. If a person be a reasoner, 
he cannot utter a sentence without it carries with it 
a cast of rationality, clearly showing the index to his 
character; while, on the other hand, if he is awkward 
in thought, and given to delusions, every action 
and manifestation of feeling will either lack precision, 
be clouded and indefinit, or meet with no satisfactoiy 
result. 

Graceful feelings, graceful manners, and each action meets success, 
For the labor of the genius doth his faculties express ; 
While the clumsy awkward fellow blunders blindly on his way, 
His soul forever guides at random, ever leading him astray 

See the man in meditation, bowing with the weight of thought, 
Watch his manner, mild and silent, witness what his mind has 
wrought ; 



130 nature's harmony. 

Note how different the Indian, glancing quickly there and here, 
Guided by his keen perception, governed by malicious fear. 

Watch the manner of that lady, delicate in her physique, 
Fine and exquisit in feeling, taking pride in being weak. 
How unlike that bouncing Betty, strong and burly in her mien, 
Moving with unpolished action, like some ponderous machine. 

See that faint and silly lover, with insipid weakness shown ; 
How disgusting, lolling over her he fears to call his own. 
Compare him with the gallant suitor, with some stamina of mind, 
Noble, brave, and independent, firm, yet amiable and kind. 

See the miser grasp his money with a visage hell might shame ; 
Watch his glassy eye, suspicious, feasting on his treasured claim ; 
Now behold the human features of whom gladly would bestow, 
Comforts to his needy neighbor, kindness to all creatures show. 

It makes the countenance look noble, for his soul is full of love: 
And the blessings shower upon him from the unknown source 
above. 

See that face of awful sorrow pictured from that woman's mind; 
The last of her sweet darling children, all unto the tomb con- 
signed. 
Look the other way and witness mirth-distorting features wild ; 
How unlike the weeping mother, mourning o'er her dying child. 

More examples we might offer, more emotions to portray, 
Showing how the feelings govern, for the features to obey. 
But the subject being easy, it is needless to prolong 
This department any further in the limits of our song. 

Each creature has its natural range of thought, and 
certain faculties adapting it to its sphere, many of 
which are common to man. The first life principle 
is the consciousness of being, the second is the anxi- 
ety to sustain that being, the third is the desire to 
perpetuate the species, and the fourth is the dual 
feeling of sexual love. These faculties are common 
to all creatures, except to those of spontaneous pro- 
duction, which come into life without any regular 



CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 131 

course of procreation. The love of progeny is an 
earlier principle manifested by the creature than that 
of sexual love, and is an inherent quality that nature 
implants in order to stimulate sexual desires. In the 
perverted nature of humanity this principle seems to 
be generally reversed. 

As the lower classes ascend, new traits develop, 
raising the creature in the scale of intellectuality, 
calling for still further perquisits to facilitate the on- 
ward march, and along with the actual necessities 
come the desires for comfort which relates to a higher 
state of happiness, bearing with it fostered hopes of 
to-morrow. Being inspired to look to the future for 
greater enjoyment, resting a faith on fond anticipa- 
tion, the creature verges into humanity. How far 
this feeling extends beneath the sphere of man we 
hav no means of ascertaining, but it is strongly allied 
to the faculty of memory, and is doubtlessly realized 
in a degree by some of the quadrupeds, but can in 
no way be manifested. Another trait exercised in a 
degree by some of the animals is that of treasuring up 
the means for coming necessities. This reaches t© 
their seeking a place to burrow or of protection, and 
a competence of food for a short period of time. The 
squirrels provide for winter, and the bees lay up their 
stock of winter provisions, also a few other species of 
animals and insects. In man there are no limits to 
his acquisitivness, yet this faculty springs from the 
principle of self-preservation in both man and animal, 
but proportionally as the latter is beneath the former 
its wants are more easily supplied. 

The harmony of musical sounds is displayed in 
some classes of birds as a source of rendering them- 
selvs agreeable to others of their kind, and, although 



132 nature's harmony. 

a natural propensity, is greatly subject to cultivation. 
A love for music is expressed by many animals that 
hav no faculty to execute it. Therefore this trait, 
like others, not only keeps in pace with the develop- 
ment of the organs for the execution of music nat- 
ural to the creature, but is subject to being culti- 
vated and often felt with a degree of pleasure in those 
that hav no power to make it. 

The power of communication among the animals no 
doubt extends much further than has generally been 
supposed, and their abilities to understand each 
other in many respects to the extent that their nat- 
ural language requires is doubtless very clear. 

There also other faculties possessed by man which 
are manifested in some degree by some of the ani- 
mals that we might mention, but we hav given the 
foregoing examples merely to show the mental rela- 
tions existing between all animated natures, and that 
all were ultimately of one originality, and that all are 
on their way upward to the grand acme of intellectu- 
ality. 

The object of living man" only realizes as being for 
this temporary happiness, but nature has a higher 
object to attain, which fact seems to be universally 
overlooked. Life is just exactly what it is shown to 
be through the very demonstrations of birth, devel- 
opment, and death, and the object is clearly displayed, 
for when we hav reached to a certain degree and ac- 
complished our mission, nature receives us for a new 
mission which the operations of this sphere fully por- 
tray. And so goes life; while a tide of the new is 
continually pouring forth, the old is passing away. 
And so it is with all animation, and what is it for ? 
The universal laws at work are in earnest, and the 






CORRESPONDING MENTAL PROCLIVITIES. 133 

spirit of nature is fooling away no time. She has a 
purpose to accomplish, and that is a higher object 
than merely for a creature to liv and die. If that 
were all that is meant by the grand operations of a 
universe of worlds, who can help but remark that 
nature has strained hard to accomplish so little? But 
it is not all, for as the elemental substances are ever- 
lasting, so also are the living identites; and no more 
can the life of the least insect be annihilated than 
that all the life-force and spiritual power of the uni- 
verse be rendered extinct. Nature does not forever 
labor for the accomplishment of but one thing, and 
if animation was born but for to die, and this was 
the sequel of it all, then one generation would suffice, 
nor would she continue generation after generation 
merely for no other object than the amusement of re- 
peating. But there is a higher object, and one that 
is easy to be seen. Onward and upward is the order; 
and through the series of lives that each soul has ex- 
perienced, man has reached the present standard of 
intellectual perfection that he now sustains; and when 
he turns and looks back over the path he has trav- 
eled, and views the various transmutations he has 
undergone, he can behold the flocks and herds and 
swarms on the upward march, occupying the same 
sjmere to-day that man occupied many thousands of 
years ago. 

You tell us that an ape is an ape, a horse is a horse, 
and a dog is a dog, and they were so four' thousand 
years ago. We admit this fact, and even acknowledge 
that some of them may not be any higher to-day than 
they were then; but we would ask if by domestica- 
tion any of these lower animals absorbs any human 
proclivities, and if it would be natural for the mental 



134 nature's harmony. 

and physical developments that they receive through 
human instruction to raise the standard of their men- 
tality ? If so, then we will here state that the soul 
identity that survives the natural body assumes the 
form of a globe, and at the time when transmutation 
takes place, which is between death and reproduction, 
on the basis of natural laws, this identity may become 
intermingled in the physical blood of man to form a 
human organization for an earthly sphere. 

It is obvious that it would be useless for any life in 
the organization to exist, unless some object was ac- 
complished by it, and is it not apparent that nature 
can deal with small things as judiciously as with 
large ? and if so, when we hav thoroughly canvassed 
the grandeur of solar systems, and carefully studied 
the strict economy displayed in all her works, need 
we doubt the possibilities of her laws of evolution, 
resulting in all we hav pointed out ? Would it not be 
folly and useless if when this transient course were 
finished, no benefits were to be derived from it either 
to nature or ourselvs ? And do not we see those 
above us, and also those below us, and is it not rea- 
sonable to question how that this came to be ? Then 
again, if we liv but to die and die but to liv, and so 
continue from generation to generation, what is the 
final end to be ? "We must reply to this that there is 
no final end; but the time will come when the har- 
vest will be ripe on earth, at which time the spiritual 
force of this planet will be transported, by certain 
natural laws, to an orb of grander resources, and the 
frozen elements of the earth will continue to glide 
onward in their orbit, till at last the sun shall receive 
them to vivify his energies for the production of new 
worlds. 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 135 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCI- 
PLES. 

In order to comprehend the true nature of an ani- 
mated being, the cause of consciousness, and the 
reason why the intellectual force is based upon phys- 
ical developments, we must understand the action of 
the nervous system; for upon it the whole organiza- 
tion of body as well as the production of mentality 
depends. 

We will not here attempt to dissect the physical 
system, or name the numerous divisions and almost 
innumerable subdivisions of the nervous tissue, and 
the parts to which they ramify, but in a general sense 
attempt to show the laws and forces controlling its 
action. 

The nervous system consists of the cerebrum, cer- 
ebellum, medulla oblongata, the spinal column, and 
their various branches; and all together constitute 
the vital center and the numerous conductors distrib- 
uted to every portion of the body. 

The brain is the great reservoir of nervous force, 
and is to the whole constitution what the boiler with 
its steam pressure is to the mill. Here is where the 
electric force it concentrated after being generated 
in the body from the food we eat, the air we breathe, 
and the water we drink. These resources supply the 
blood, which renews the nervous tissue as well as the 
vital and motiv. You will therefore see that the op- 
eration by which the nervous force is supplied to the 
brain is like unto the process of keeping up steam in 
the boiler, in order to make the mill go; and the ex- 
penditure of tne nervous force, by rendering action 



136 nature's harmony. 

to the body, is like unto the exhaustion of the steam 
whereby the machinery of the mill is kept running. 

The medulla oblongata, being the most central 
point of nervous action, is the great distributor of the 
electric force through the system, and corresponds 
with the steam engin, which brings to bear all the 
steam force in the boiler upon the main-shaft, from 
which it is distributed by the various attachments 
and counter-attachments to the different sections of 
machinery in the mill. 

As it requires a belt, friction, or segment bearing, 
in order to convey the force exerted upon the main- 
shaft to any other part of the machinery, so in like 
manner it requires a nerve extending from the 
great center of nervous force as an electro-motor con- 
ductor, in order that any volition of consciousness 
may be exerted to either contract or relax any mus- 
cle; and as it requires the action of the main-shaft in 
order to run any portion of the mill, so, also, it re- 
quires the action of the nervous center in order to 
create the slightest volition of the will. 

In the business of the mill, there is a jurisdiction 
controling its running, but the mill has no knowledge 
of what it is laboring to accomplish, and in like man- 
ner nature's machinery is controlled and kept in op- 
eration without any exertion on the part of its own 
mentality. Nature prompts all animation to seek its 
subsistence, not only furnishing the requisit material 
but providing the creature with the power of obtain- 
ing it; but the natural action of circulation and res- 
piration being involuntary, they are not necessarily 
controlled by thought. 

As the mill is not the maker of itself, it therefore 
is not the possessor of itself, and this in ]ike manner 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 137 

applies to man; for as the mill could do nothing 
without man's aid, neither could man without nature's 
aid, and as the mill must depend upon external influ- 
ences in order to run, so also must man in order to liv. 

All voluntary action is from the effect of thought, 
and all thought producing voluntary action arises 
wholly from external influences, or that external to 
the mind. The spirit of consciousness, being a passiv 
principle, only acts as it is acted upon. Consequently 
if all external objects could be removed, and all re- 
membrance of such objects obliterated, then nothing 
could be known or realized; and this idea is equiva- 
lent to the fact that if the consciousness could be 
obliterated and all sense of realization gone, then to 
such appreciation it would be the same as that all the 
universe were stricken out of existence. 

If the soul before being robed with mortality, as 
the conditions of this sphere indicate, were conscious 
of its existence, then it must hav been a life-germ, 
and it would be plausible to suppose that it was an 
eternal principle of vitality acting subservient to a 
higher spiritual influence. It would therefore be 
passiv to the conditions surrounding, and only moved 
by the forces acting upon it. 

From the above it will be seen that the life-germ, 
although conscious, has no jurisdiction over what 
form it may take on, or when or where be ushered 
into this sphere of life. As it was unable to control 
the circumstances of being ushered or forced into 
this life, the consciousness is still left subject and 
wholly passiv to the surrounding influences for the 
development of the intellectual nature. To illustrate, 
a child born among the cannibals is submitted to 
such society, and it is needless to say that through 



138 

the impetus of its inborn nature and the customs of 
the people, that offspring would naturally follow in 
the trail of its ancestry; hence Indian parents, Indian 
children; heathen people, heathen posterity; and in- 
telligent communities, illustrious aspirations. 

Now from the foregoing it is evident that the mind 
has but a partial jurisdiction over the body, and what 
controlling influence it has comes wholly from the 
source of external objects, conditions, and circum- 
stances. The stock of images received by the intel- 
lectual eye may subsequently permit of a certain 
range for the deduction of ideas, but all of these im- 
pressions were but the result of images previously re- 
ceived to the mind. Consequently, while the mind 
may illusivly realize itself as able to control the cir- 
cumstances, in reality it is wholly indebted for its or- 
igin and development to the control of circumstances. 

But if all the ideas of the mind result from 
external objects, then it might be questioned as to 
just what effect an object must hav in order to create 
a thought ? "We would reply that it is the picture 
or images of objects, either real or imaginary, brought 
to bear upon the nervous center, through some of the 
five sensorial channels, or else through certain im- 
pressions not easily to be demonstrated, which create 
all the ideas of the mind. Any outlines, image, .or 
object, whether real or imaginary, when brought to 
bear upon the mind, is transformed into an idea, and 
the means by which they are conveyed to the under- 
standing, must be purely of an electric nature. The 
effect of an idea first givs action to the nervous sys- 
tem by the transmission of electric force either 
through the sense of seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling 
or tasting, and then reflects upon the muscular sys- 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 139 

tern, by way of the motor nerves, proportionately as 
the nervous center is excited. For illustration, a per- 
son seeing his house on fire is electrified from the ef- 
fect of such a scene; the excitement of mind acts 
upon the motor nerves and givs a corresponding ac- 
tion to the muscular system, and vigor is displayed 
in the attempt to put out the fire. Again, a person 
may feel in a very pleasant and passiv state of mind 
and be enjoying the pleasures of brilliant prospects, 
when placidly he may reach and take up the daily, 
just fresh from the press, and read of a railroad dis- 
aster with the name appearing of his wife, son, or 
daughter, either dead or suffering the horrors of the 
wreck. The effect upon both mind and body is in- 
stantly spasmodic, yet he has seen nothing to occasion 
it but simple ink impressed in a certain way upon in- 
nocent white paper; but he receives an idea which 
has pictured all the terrors of the disaster upon his 
imagination, consequently the result. 

Through the sense of seeing the visible objects are 
made known to us, but it is a question of doubt as to 
whether the various objects are seen in positions they 
occupy, or if a representation of them is only realized 
in the camera obscura of the intellectual reflector. If 
the latter be true, then it is clear that the mind is but 
a negativ representing the positiv, which in reality is 
never seen. For illustration, a large, pure, and per- 
fect mirror will reflect the objects or landscapes to 
such a degree of perfection that the beholder posi- 
tioned just right will be unable to tell the real from 
the reflected scenes; yet while he unknowingly may 
gaze upon the representation, believing it to be true 
scenery of nature, he is only looking to the distance 



140 



NATUBES HARMONY. 



of a few feet against a thin plate of glass with a 
quicksilver coating behind it. 

In relation to our sense of hearing, it is obvious 
that only the effect of material commotion ia conveyed 
to the auditory nerve whereby we are made conscious 
of the clashes and collisions vibrating upon the at- 
mosphere, instead of any actual material arising from 
such effects ever reaching the nervous center. This, 
you will see, is another provision by which the spir- 
itual nature receives a knowledge of the material ac- 
tion surrounding it, and also an evidence that in or- 
der to constitute the real it is necessary to include 
the ideal. 

The sense of feeling arises from the action of the 
nerves of sensation, which constitute a system for 
that purpose, as has already been explained. These 
nerves act as conductors, delivering messages to the 
consciousness, revealing to the understanding the na- 
ture of whatever the body comes in contact with. 
Through this agency tbe mind is enabled to 
guard the body from injuries and direct it to ben- 
efits. Feeling is an effect upon the nerves which acts 
by degrees of intensity. That which in moderation 
produces pleasure in intensity creates pain. For il- 
lustration, to place the ends of the fingerr upon a 
smooth table and move them gently back and forward 
causes a pleasant sensation, but violently moving 
them in this way occasions friction, generating heat, 
and consequently creates pain. In this way all tli3 
various phases of touch may be realized. Thus, what 
when lightly touched appears soft when more vio- 
lently touched or struck appears hard, because of the 
increased intensity. Pain is an indication of physi- 
cal injury, for something must come in contact with 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 141 

the person which injures before the pain is felt, but 
it is hardly probable that any real substance must 
come in contact with the nervous center, or be trans- 
mitted to the brain, before the consciousness is sus- 
ceptible of the physical damage being done. The 
ringer or toe, or any part of the person that is hurt, 
is wholly unable to realize the fact, but receives the 
information by an e^e^tric message sent to the ner- 
vous center, and not until a reply to that information 
is returned does the injured part recoil. But it is not 
the tangible alone that can bruise and mangle, for an 
entire exclusion of all material, could a part or the 
whole of the body be submitted to such a test, doubt- 
less would be still more disastrous. For illustration, 
a perfect vacuum, or as nearly so as it is possible for 
matter to approximate in the heavens, as in the dis- 
charge of electricity, occasioning thunder and light- 
n'ng, even the power of the partial vacuum upon the 
surrounding material is doubtless far greater than 
though a bolt of solid steel of equal magnitude were 
projected with the same lightning rapidity. This is 
to show that a perfect nothing would be far more de- 
monstrate upon everything around it, than so much 
space occupied with the strongest material. A finger 
placed upon an anvil and struck a heavy blow with 
the hammer would be badly mashed, but if it were 
possible to submit the finger to a perfect vacuum it 
would le instantly obliterated, and completely ethe- 
realized to occupy the space of the vacuum. 

As the senso of feeling is purely electric, the nerves 
of sensation are most acute where thev are brought 
most into action. In the human, the ends of the fin- 
gers being most convenient to act as a testing agent 
for the mind, they are therefore the most acutely de- 



142 nature's harmony. 

veloped to the sense of touch. However, there are cer- 
tain delicate parts, the eye, for example, which is very 
sensitiv to foreign matter, which serves as a protec- 
tion, but the mind cannot judge correctly as to the 
kind of speck, mote, or fiber offering the intrusion; 
while the ends of the fingers, in many cases, will even 
serve in the place of vision, and with those deprived 
of eyesight may become so acutely developed as 
to enable the person to read from raised letters with 
great facility, and even judge wi^h accuracy the ma- 
terial and texture of fabrics, and some under a test 
hav told correctly the colors of various kinds of cloth 
and also the shades of different paintings. In touch- 
ing the ends of the fingers to any object, an exchange 
of electricity from the person to the ocject, and the 
object to the person, instantly takes place. If the 
object be a good conductor, the electrical effect ex- 
tends to every part of it with lightning quickness 
while that which comes from the object to the ends 
of the fingers goes with lightning rapidity to the seat 
of consciousness. The natural application of the 
s^nse of feeling shows the necessity of such a provis- 
ion in order to fill the requirements of men as well as 
all other animated creatures. Animals, however, hav 
the nerves of sensation the most acutely developed 
at the nose instead of the foot, for the reason that it 
is made to come in contact with all the animal sub- 
sists on, in the absence of hands for transporting the 
food to the mouth; yet there are some exceptions to 
this, as is the case with squirrels, apes, and monkeys, 
while the elephant is provided with a long trunk, 
which is but an extension of the nasal appendage, 
such being an absolute necessity, since without it the 
animal would hav no means of getting his food to his 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIEE PRINCIPLES. 143 

mouth. The elephant's trunk, though apparently a 
cumbersome organ, yet from the use to which it is 
applied, the nerves of sensation are developed to a 
wonderful degree of acuteness. 

Animals and insects with habits which keep them 
constantly secluded in darkness are never favored 
with the organs of vision, from the fact of there being 
no application. Such animals at all portions of the 
bodily surface are peculiarly act tb to the sense of 
feeling. For example, such a creature, when exposed 
to the light, having no eyes, would be as much in 
darkness as though in a dungeon, and yet they most 
vehemently manifest the change; and although the 
elements of their atmosphere may not perceptibly 
differ from those of the light, still the creature so sub- 
jected in a short time will die. This is probably oc- 
casioned by the light's diffusing the electric force 
which the creature otherwise would imbibe. The 
mole, particularly the species that has come under 
our observation, is wholly devoid of eyes; and it livs 
constantly in the ground and in total darkness. The 
same encaged in the light, although fed with its nat- 
ural food and supplied with fresh earth, can liv but a 
short time. The fish found in the caves where they 
are constantly in darkness show signs of great uneas- 
iness as soon as ushered to the light, although wholly 
devoid of the organs of vision. They hav an acute- 
ness of feeling doubtless sufficient to answer in the 
absence of eyes, as it is wonderful to notice with what 
facility and swiftness they will shoot between the 
crevices of rocks, seldom coming in contact with 
them, as if an electric effect of the rocks or other 
substances of obstruction were clearly felt upon the 
body as it approximates near. No doubt that if 



144 nature's harmony. 

these various creatures of darkness were grad- 
ually accustomed to the light until hardened to its 
effects, and so kept for a series of generations, they 
would eventually grow less acute of surface sensation 
and at the same time a development of eyes would 
take place. 

The sense of taste, also of smell, constitute the two 
other channels through which external objects appeal 
to our reason, but it is not any more reasonable to 
suppose that either the gustatory or olfactory nerves 
convey more than the effect of substance to the seat 
of thought, the same as those already mentioned, in- 
stead of the substance itself. And yet how perfectly 
the mind can realize the slightest shades of difference 
among the numerous kinds of substances which ap- 
peal to these senses. Now while the gustatory nerves 
act as a perfect guide to the unperverted appetite, 
they are conduciv to the pleasure afforded by appro- 
priate food adapted to nourish the system, and as 
much may be said in behalf of the olfactory nerves. 
The rich savor from the cooking of wholesome food, 
arising into the air, appeals to the famishing stomach, 
through the agency of the olfactory nerves, as the 
smell of fresh meat to the hungry lion; while the nox- 
ious vapors arising, which if inhaled largely would poi- 
son the blood, the stomach manifests its aversion to by 
way of the olfactory nerves, which carry the mes- 
sage to the consciousness, with the information of 
the poisonous intrusion, which information is con- 
veyed to the stomach by other nerves, when against 
such intrusion the stomach revolts. So it will be seen 
that the contrasting principles of pain and pleasure 
are very delicately associated with all the nerves rep- 
resenting the different senses, and the more acutely 






THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIEE PRINCIPLES. 145 

developed are these nerves the more keenly will be 
the mind to discriminate the character of the material 
coming in contact with them. Therefore people or 
animals most accustomed to testing the nature of dif- 
ferent substances by any particular sense, of course, 
are most reliable to judge in that way. 

Now here are a few points to consider. First, in 
the nature of things, an actual principle of conscious- 
ness must exist, for, as we hav shown in a preceding 
chapter, without it the existence of all else would 
be useless. Next, there must be some means to con- 
vey a knowledge of things surrounding us to our 
consciousness, else there could be no development of 
intellectuality; hence the requisition of the senses. 
Life and consciousness may be felt in certain species 
of the lowest animation, including the acephalous 
orders, without the application of the senses, but 
their life-dream is passed without the power of 
thought, and unconscious to all else except themselvs. 
An electric center is sustained in their bodies by an 
absorbent quality that matter possesses, but no nerve 
conductors are distributed for that purpose. Their 
sustenance depends upon the chemical affinity be- 
tween their bodies and the surrounding material 
rendering to their growth. The same is displayed in 
the formation of the shells of molluscan types, inclos- 
ing and protecting the development of the inner life. 

Next to consider is the object attained by Nature, 
regarding her as an intellectual principle, in the 
progress of her physical and intellectual develop- 
ments. We hav already made reference to this, but 
desire to investigate still further. Although Nature 
may be just as rich with all these forces existing as 



146 nature's harmony. 

one great ocean of spirit, yet as there could be no 
action in an infinit unity of power, the universal ju- 
risdiction can only be manifested through infinit 
divisions and subdivisions of divine authority, and 
yet all acting in one universal harmony. That there 
is a power of supreme intelligence we will not ques- 
tion, for we know that out of the infinit fountain 
comes forth all appreciation of understanding; for, 
were this not so, then the universe would lack this 
most important principle for which purpose matter 
only exists. If all matter and all mind could mani- 
fest their power only as a unity, then all matter would 
move relativly together, which would be equivalent 
to no action at all, and all mind move therewith 
without any possible opposition, which would be 
equivalent to a grand time with nobody to it. But 
with the divisions and subdivisions of life and 
thought it givs counteraction, storms and wild com- 
motion, and while everything is seeking its rest, 
everything else is preventing any rest being had. 
Therefore, instead of there being but one supreme 
power of intelligence, acting eternally for its own 
glory, there are innumerable centralized existences, 
each as important to itself as the great power 
that rules the universe is to itself. Each of these 
beings and creatures, though some so small the glass 
cannot discern them, holds a life within itself as dear 
to its realization of existence as the whole universe 
is in relation to it; and if it were possible that the 
spirit entity of even the smallest of these creatures 
could be rendered extinct, then there could be no 
power to reproduce it, any more than though it were 
the greatest consciousness that pervades in nature. 
But this realization of being is quite different from 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 147 

any of the senses through which the knowledge of 
external objects is conveyed to it. The insect may 
feel as intensely that it livs as man, and struggle as 
vehemently to flee from danger. And we see that 
Nature has shown no partiality in letting one liv for- 
ever in this sphere any more than the other, but even 
find that some of the lower orders are favored with 
the greater longevity. Then, assuming as a fact that 
one is perpetuated beyond this sphere of life, it is 
positivly an assumption that all must be. We hav 
already shown that man is but a product from an 
animalcule, and even though it requires millions to 
combine to form the embryotic life, yet it is a posi- 
tiv proof that the animalcule has its future. But 
from this course of reasoning we hav not so good 
evidence that man livs beyond the present; still, the 
analogy is a plausible reason that he does. But 
while this may be so, it is obvious that when a sep- 
aration of soul and body takes place, at that instant 
all of the senses are gone, for the reason that there is 
no application for them, and no organs to work upon 
even though there were. But you see that this is a 
heavy stroke upon all idea of futurity. However, let 
those who dote so largely upon it not get anxious, as 
the way is still clear, as I will endeavor to show 
you by and by. 

That the life of each creature is supreme in impor- 
tance to itself, I think no one will deny, when we 
bring the idea home; for although one may be far 
more useful and important to the world than an- 
other, still the inferior is superior when considered 
by himsef. This is an important lesson to consider 
when regarding the rights of our fellow-beings, but 
somewhat off from our subject. It shows, however, 



148 nature's harmony. 

that we are but a sample life, and in this respect on 
a parallel with all other living things, therefore the 
mere magnitude of body does not necessarily add tq 
this principle of being. 

The only way that a creature can rank itself with 
others is by comparison; hence if one should liv 
wholly secluded from all others it might regard itself 
either the greatest or smallest of all, or even the only 
one there was. But associated with others, it soon 
learns to what power it must yield, and over what it 
holds supremacy. This principle holds good with 
man, although he can boast of superiority over the 
beasts, birds, fishes, and insects. Yet he is not the 
highest in authority, for he, like the rest of animation, 
must yield to natural law. Now those who are un- 
willing to accept of an intelligent jurisdiction above 
us, may vaguely ask, " Where is it? " not being able to 
discern the physical make-up of such a power, or in 
which such an intelligence, or rather intelligences, 
for there are millions above us as well as millions 
below us, may dwell. I am very glad to see that the 
state of society is such as to reject the idea of any 
old barbarous deity, as represented by ancient myth- 
ology, but in leaning so heavily from it, in the assur- 
ance of right, the question is as to whether we do not 
go as far off of balance the other way. Man posses- 
ses wonderful faculties, which the constituents of his 
being, all arising out from the great fountain, hav 
given him, but we cannot see those faculties — they 
are principles, as we hav already said, which lie hid- 
den, yet we attribute them all to the sphere of man, 
because we can discern the organizations from which 
they are manifested; but while those principles are 
everlasting, these physical organizations are only 



THE NEKVOUS SYSTEM AND LITE PRINCIPLES. 149 

transient, and sink to rise no more. Then whose 
faculties were these before being received by man, 
and whose are they after man's physical tenement 
has gone ? Let us suppose that every atom that goes 
to form man's physical organization were in itself a 
living creature, possessing certain faculties adapted 
to its sphere, and that these billions of little creatures 
liv and die, in an instant of time, and generation 
follows after generation, through all the period of our 
lives; what could they know of the great creature, 
man, whom they in the aggregate constitute, and 
what could they understand of the attributes of his 
nature ? Now suppose we apply this principle to the 
aggregate of material, including the organic as well 
as the inorganic, or what is so termed, that form the 
constituents of a world. Then, on this basis, a world 
or planet has the quality of thought and understand- 
ing, as well as we; and, if so, doubtless proportion- 
ately greater. But how can the earth think ? In re- 
ply we would say that if our theory as to how any 
creature or man is enabled to think be true, then, 
upon the same conditions can a world think, for it is 
undeniable that all electric force contained in the 
constituents are possessed by the world in the ag- 
gregate; and the fact of the earth's having an at- 
tractiv center is evidence that she has an electric 
center. We hav shown that in order for a person to 
manifest any action, there must be a proportionate 
amount of electric force exhausted to correspond 
with the action, and the same may be said in relation 
to the material substance of the body; and in order 
that the person may keep living, it necessarily must 
keep taking on an equal amount of both material 
substance and electric force to the amount that is 



150 

constantly being exhausted. The same principle 
holds good in relation to the earth. It has been es- 
timated that several millions of tons of material sub- 
stance is annually received by the earth from the 
surrounding heavens through which it rolls, while at 
the same time she is receiving largely of heat, light, 
and electricity from the sun; but in the face of 
all this, the earth is in one sense losing con- 
stantly instead of gaining; she is throwing off ca- 
loric and electricity, as she travels through the low 
temperature of the heavens, in excess of all she is re- 
ceiving, and gradually losing her central heat, which 
in time will exhaust all her powers. This, however, 
is not the case with planets in a state of formation, be- 
cause they are less dense, and sustain a higher degree 
of caloric, especially so at the surface, from the effect 
of chemical action occasioned from the combination 
of all the material elements being associated together. 
This shows how that the natural quality of caloric is 
generated from the combination of the elements; but 
our earth is getting past that age, as is shown by 
the various densified strata of geological formation. 
But according to the nature of all life, as the body 
wanes, the intelligence matures, and so with earth in 
her development; hence, during this period, and for 
a few thousands of years to come, she will be lifting 
her excellences to the surface, during which time all 
animation and vegetation will display i,heir most 
brilliant qualities. 

But while the earth possesses her various adjunctiv 
qualities, she is made to act as an adjunctiv princi- 
ple of the sun ; and thus, in a like manner, the elec- 
tric forces connect in one great social economy all 
the attendants in the solar system with the sun. For, 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LIFE PRINCIPLES. 151 

as e sun is the center of attraction, so also is it the 
center of electric force, thereby establishing a still 
greater point of jurisdiction, by which all of the sur- 
rounding planets in this system are controled. But 
it will be seen that the sun is constantly exhausting 
his treasury of forces in contributing to the necessi- 
ties of his subjects, and it is evident that unless there 
were corresponding resources, or a natural taxation 
upon these attendants, his brilliant and renovating 
rays of light and heat would eventually cease to radi- 
ate. Now, as a rule, whatever is supplied from any 
great reservoir in time must return to that reservoir; 
and this we find exemplified in thousands of ways, 
and in small things as well as in great. For illus- 
tration, the ocean is taxed to supply the land with 
moisture, that vegetation and animation may liv, and 
in turn the land is giving back a corresponding 
amount through her numerous rivers and tributaries. 
A. national metropolis may afford sufficient supplies 
for the consumption of all her colonies, and enact 
wholesome laws for the protection of all her people; 
but in return she must hav an equivalent, else the 
Dutside would flourish at the sacrifice of the center, 
svhich eventually would be disastrous to the whole 
commonwealth. Now, as Nature is economical with 
aer general principles, the same justly applies to the 
sun in relation to his subjects. Thus, while he is 
acting as the head-center of a great celestial com- 
monwealth, he demands the necessary resources to 
keep up his regular supply of forces; therefore, 
through his immense attractiv power, he calls to his 
need the nebulous matter surrounding — the continual 
rain of meteoric showers, the thousands of infant 
planets which commenced their growth in too close 



152 nature's harmony. 

a proximity to ever develop, together with the larger 
planets as they, in their useless conditions, hav at 
last reached their final destination — and all of this 
material, with the same judicious economy that is 
forever characteristic with Nature, he appropriates 
to the most perfect advantage to supply light and 
heat to the children of his family, which by radia- 
tion is sent to the very outer limits of his celestial 
fields, some of which is to be appropriated for the 
building up of new planets. But the material of the 
worlds that undergoes this ordeal, as they plunge 
into the sun, is rarefied by the intensity of the heat, 
and distributed in every direction through billions of 
miles of space. This is a fair representation, with 
the exception of the intensity of the heat, of how the 
physical bodies of all animate beings are distributed 
through space, when dissolution takes place. 

Where, then, will hav gone the spirit of the earth, 
and where then will hav gone the spirits of all the 
other worlds ? But getting still nearer home, where 
then will hav gone the spirits of all that liv upon the 
earth and all of the other worlds ? Be not anxious, 
ye who are unwilling to yield up your consciousness 
of existence, for upon this subject we are not to be. 
taken by storm. But wait a little longer and we. 
shall see. 

Now you see from the course of our reasoning that 
from out of the great ocean of spirit originate all of 
the organizations of animated nature, their identities 
and spiritual intellectualities; and do you see that 
there was eternally a capacity in nature to render up 
these lives ? Then from what did they spring except 
from the principles that nature holds in the aggre- 
gate ? The material composing our bodies is sub- 



THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND LITE PRINCIPLES. 153 

ject to infinit changes of separation, combination, and 
distribution, which changes are constantly going on 
even in our present condition of living, and we hav 
shown such to be the case from the smallest of living 
creatures up to the dissolution of worlds into sun- 
light; therefore to depend upon any special condition 
that matter may assume, for our immortality, would 
be a vague and ridiculous calculation. But hav we 
not already shown that matter in the aggregate car- 
ries with it all the principles that nature possesses, 
from the fact that there would be no principles to 
govern were there no material to be governed ? We 
hav shown what the constituent principles are that 
are associated to form the animated being, and as you 
see we found nothing but matter and the laws by 
which matter is controled, where, then, was the 
spirit before the organization originated, and where 
will it be after the organization has dissolved ? Now 
we hav reached the bottom rock of the annihilation 
theory, and the heaviest argument we can master 
against the idea of immortality; but while these argu- 
ments are based upon facts of scientific investigation, 
still, my friends, as we do not wish to beg this ques- 
tion, stand by me a little longer. 

We hav already shown the importance of electric 
force as a constituent of animation, also its necessity 
in all the operations of material action; we hav like- 
wise seen how that this agent may be collected from 
the common atmosphere by which to charge the gal- 
vanic battery. We hav assured you of the fact that 
there is no more and no less of this agent in the uni- 
verse at any one time than another, and that what 
one thing possesses of it more than its usual share is 
borrowed from something else which for the time 



154 nature's harmony. 

being possesses proportionally less. Now in the con^ 
struction of the electric battery, certain things and 
materials are appropriated and adjusted so as to 
create the desired results, and the larger the scale 
upon which the apparatus is constructed, all things 
else being comparativly equal, of course the greater 
are the effects manifested. Then here we hav a dem- 
onstration of power which is generated by the con- 
centration of a force that is natural to materiality, 
and which to a certain degree is made subservient to 
the will of man. But destroy the battery and where 
then has gone the agent that manifested this power ? 
Then when the great earthly battery is destroyed 
whence goes its enormous demonstration of power ? 
And when these transient tenements of ours are de- 
stroyed, whence goes the electric force from which 
all of our actions are manifested ? 

Then " dust returns to dust again," and there is no 
organism left to retain this concentration of force. 
Then the great question is, What is there left as the 
nucleus of another animated body? Now we need 
not console ourselvs to think that there is an imagi- 
nary something which is entirely devoid of material, 
that we may call the soul or spirit, left to soar to a 
heaven that is made of nothing, where there is perfect 
Elysius constituted out of nothing, and where a 
grand nothing pervades, and everybody there to 
enjoy it, for the inconsistency of such an idea is at 
once apparent, consequently whatever our faith may 
be, it is advisable to cling fast to the substantial 
qualities of matter. But you say that in our theory 
we hav robbed the soul of all its material, leaving it 
nothing to cling to, and no powers for clinging ! Well 
what are you going to do about it ? We caja see 




MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 155 

nothing except that yon let us conduct you on through 
this darkness as we propose to do ! 

But before I go further, do not call this a mysti- 
cated subject. Do not for a moment consider, as 
some are prone to claim, that we are laboring en- 
tirely in a field of speculation; but, on the contrary, 
remember that we reason from the axioms that we do 
exist; that ice icere introduced into this sphere, do develop, 
and shall take our departure; that there were causes which 
produced us, and that we are living for apuipose. Now, 
with these undeniable facts before us, this theme is 
but equivalent to a mathematical problem, the means 
being given by which to arrive at the end. 



MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 

See how all creatures are endowed, allotted to this sphere, 
With power to scent, to taste or touch, or else to see or hear, 
To bring the knowledge of external objects to the mind, 
Inferring that some master hand these qualities designed. 

"What guides the atoms that unite to form this transient frame ? 
Tell whence the nucleus arose, from what great source it came? 
Teil why was ushered into life such forms of flesh and bone, 
And tempered to the latitude of hot or frigid zone ? 

Note the systematic order by which everything is run, 
From the atoms 'neath our vision to the proud, majestic sun ! 
From the scenes of creeks and rivers winding onward in their 

course, 
To the broad expanse of heaven, the unbounded universe; 
How that all in seeming warfare doth in harmony conjoin, 
As the waters of the rivers with the ocean all combine. 

Go seek the smallest insect that your lenses can discern ; 
From its modus operandi and organic parts, pray learn 
If the hand that guides the universe, by either freak or flaws, 
Has failed in one iota there to carry out her laws. 



156 nature's harmony. 

Go view some monstrous animal of any kind or class ; 
Compare it with the insect you examined with the glass, 
And note in either creature how sublimely are displayed 
The faculties thus furnished and adjusted to their aid. 

Though richly they're provided, the economy is such, 
Each is filled unto the measure, but is granted none too much; 
And thus through all eternity nought ever is misplaced — 
There is just enough material, but none to go to waste. 

And is this all an accident of matter without mind? 
And is it all the work of chance, unguided or designed ? 
If this be so, pray tell us why that wisdom finds a place 
In such half-savage mortals as our low developed race ? 

You ask me where that power exists, if dwelling high or low? 
And in sarcastic vagary would challenge me to show; 
But of all Nature's forces, is there one that can be viewed ? 
If so, then make it visible, since you hav been so shrewd. 

A boy once caught a garter-snake and held it 'neath a rail, 
And then began dissecting it, commencing at the tail. 
And being asked his object, he replied, "I want to know 
Just where the life is located that serves to make it go. 
It must indeed be funny, and a dollar I will wage, 
If I hav luck to catch it once, I'll tame it in a cage 1" 

Now, he who looks no higher than a creature of his kind 
For never-ending principles, or universal mind, 
"Would be as inconsistent in attempting to explore 
The infinit capacity, unlimited in power. 

The evidence is everywhere, in flower, leaf, or tree, 
In every verdant landscape and in every raging sea; 
In every bud that blossoms, in plant, fruit, grass, or grain, 
But while they're smiling on us, still 'tis evidence in vain. 

Bright prodigies are offered us fresh from the hand divine, 
But by us viewed regardless, as r ch jewels are by swine. 
Above us and below us, and around on every side. 
The proofs are clearly shining, yet they boldly are denied. 

"We don't condemn the insect, though, for being weak and small, 
Nor censure those molesting us for their unwelcome call. 



MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 157 

They know not their intrusion, nor requirements of our will, 
Yet in our self-protection we are justified to kill. 

"We, too, are like the insect m one sense, if not in more : 
Regardless of the spheres above, unconscious of their power. 
Our ignorance is innocence ; yet, every breath we draw, 
"We're subject to the penalties of some offended law. 

The ravenous mosquito, quite unconscious that we feel, 
Seeks but its self-protection, and directed to its weal, 
While peacefully partaking, like the babe upon the breast, 
Is crushed into eternity, or painfully is pressed. 

Again, the ones destroying our garden trees or vine, 
And forced to liv by Nature, or by Nature's laws divine, 
On food the most adapted and allotted to their claim, 
Which innocently they partake, not feeling any blame. 

Yet still we cast the poison which they fatally receive, 
Opposing that great power which created them to liv ; 
But Nature in all tenderness accepts them as they come, 
And through our willing agency thus kindly calls them home. 

Who knows what hvs above us, and their powers to destroy ? 
Who knows but what in many ways their peace we may annoy? 
Who knows but what the violence so often we hav felt, 
Has from some higher agency, designedly been dealt? 

Who knows but what infections, pestilential in their course, 
Are from some higher agency of intellectual source ? 
Whose poisons hav been sifted from the regions far above, 
And yet in death they welcome us in sympathy and love ? 

Just think of dire contagions which mysteriously appear, 
Which make the dying pass to death, the living shake with fear ; 
Or note the wars and famin which oft devastate our land, 
And how to name their origin we scarcely understand. 

Now, this is speculation but the moral don't evade; 
How limited our power to know, with all of Nature's aid, 
How broad the field for knowledge is that man can ne'er survey, 
And what the attributes that guide all nature to obey? 

We speak not of the heathen gods in form of man or brute, 
Nor of imaginary ones of any kind to suit ; 



158 nature's harmony. 

But of illimitable force unbounded by a shore, 

Which permeates where finite creature never can explore. 

Thus vital force of every sphere, through all gradations linked, 
Reach from the higher grades of life to lower ones extinct; 
And as the steps are taken, and one foot below is pressed, 
The other "o'er the river on a grander shore doth rest. 

Thus from the lowest creatures up, each verges on some goal, 
And, link by link united, form the universal whole ; 
And each adapted to its sphere is happy there to reign, 
And hidden from all future life is anxious to remain. 

But when developed to this state, no longer can we stay ; 
While darkness hides the book of fate, we're forced upon our way. 
Thus all from atoms spring to life, and all to atoms go, 
And yet a principle is left no power can o'erthrow. 

We may be partial to the thought, that when this life is o'er 
The dormant body sinks to earth, and sinks to rise no more. 
But mere opinions can't control, howeT er nice the aim, 
The laws of Nature reign supreme, the facts are just the same. 

Though sacred ardor may be felt, and hope on faith may rest, 
With strong assurance that in death the soul is to be blessed, 
And that a kingdom far away, wilh God upon the throne, 
By his tribunal separates the evil from his own ; 

And that a mansion wide and high, not made with human hand, 
And round the infinit estate are fields and rivers grand; 
And crowns with sparkling diadems, made by the hand divine, 
And garments which the longer worn the more in luster shine ; 

Where we may meet our friends of earth, who long had passed 

before, 
And in sweet harmony may dwell henceforth forever more. 
The picture is too lovely, most, for any hand to mar — 
So may this grand delusion rest on some bright, shining star. 

They who hav hope and faith so strong this firmly to believe, 
While groveling through this vale of tears, some joy they may 

receive ; 
Yet 'tis a mansion of the mind, so gorgeous, wide and high, 
And which if any ever find, 'twill all be in their eye. 



MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 159 

Therefore the real and ideal may differ all must know, 
Mere faith that this or that is fact can never make it so. 
But what may constitute our joy contrasting scenes reveal, 
And on the other hand display the fears we're doomed to feel. 

And while our fancied pictures doth celestial pleasures show, 
The doubt of reaching such a port doth picture pain and woe. 
Instead of charming sceneries and everlasting songs? 
The writhing of dread agony unto that place belongs; 

The fires that rage within those souls forever in despair, 

For which proud heaven can ne'er atone, by either hope or 

prayer ; 
And as we realize the joys surrounding us above, 
Suppose we view below the hearts once linked with ours in love; 

Suppose it be a darling wife, near kin, or only child, 

How suddenly would we be plunged in anguish deep and wild ! 

No more the charms of heavenly bliss would thrill with sacred 

love, 
We'd leap into that dread abyss, forsaking all above. 

A pure and sympathetic heart, with love both deep and true, 
"Would sooner share such agony than such a prospect view. 
But, glorious to contemplate, such vagaries cannot wave 
The jurisdiction which controls the power to damn or save. 

How fortunate that crazy dreams ne'er made a heaven or hell, 
And that the laws of nature run the business wise and well 1 
That they impartially preside, just as they did of old, 
Ne'er bent or broken by man's wish, nor ever bought or soldi 

And still a yearning yet is felt, that we should liv again, 
So strong that hope has introduced ten thousand creeds to reign ; 
And while that science doth ignore these dark delusions taught, 
Yet still the masses of mankind are in their meshes caught. 

How strong the pressure seems to urge man to some future goal, 
For of all who denounce this claim, how few can I enrolll 
Yet in the face of such belief, when death comes all is o'er, 
We're like the ship that sailed away, and ne'er was heard of more. 

Now why did this idea arise, apparently untrue, 
In opposition to our eyes, and scientific clew? 



160 nature's harmony. 

And 3-et how much would we desire, as temporary gain, 
To sell all chance, when we expire, to ever liv again ? 

Just send to me one single mind who would not hesitate, 
To say in honor he ne'er dreamed of any future state. 
But what the nature of that state it puzzles man to tell; 
Hence all the phases are displayed, from heaven down to hell. 
The thought occurs that "we now liv," a thought deep and sub- 
lime ; 
And if we ne'er can liv again, why liv we now this time ? 
But to assert a future sphere, asserts we've lived before, 
Or else the ends are close each side, and we shall liv no more. 
But we emphatically hav shown three spheres that all hav passed, 
And therefore most emphatically deny this being last. 
"We've shown that nature's forces, too, in no way can be spent. 
But are eternal as to time, infinit in extent ; 
And act from smallest particles through universal spaco. 
Her work is ne'er completed, and unlimited her race; 
And yet like perfect clock-work the machinery so runs 
That while the greater she achieves the lesser never shuna. 
How can such perfect order all be accident or chance ? 
How can all run unguided, yet so gloriously advance ? 
And how can such developments judiciously arise, 
"Without the jurisdiction of some unknown power wise? 
Still as you caniot fathom this infinity of mind, 
You argue in your ignorance that nothing was designed ; 
That all acts through necessity, by laws from day to day, 
Which laws are self-adjusted, and all matter must obey. 

You tell us that they rule supreme, nor wisdom doth preside; 
That from celestial forces planets never can collide 
And yet we fail to understand how they can form and roll 
In such exquisit harmony without some thinking soul. 

There's something in attractiv force compelling them to act, 
But how to nicely balance and fly onward so exact, 
"With no intelligence to guide, is easier to deny 
Than that a ruler infinit doth guard them as they fly. 

"We know small creatures do exist, with corresponding mind ; 
"We view these demonstrations, in every form and kind ; 



MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 161 

We know how circumscribed their spheres and limited their sway, 
From those abiding many years to those of but a day. 

And would it seem most reasonable, these creatures large and 

small, 
And man included with the rest, includes the minds of all ? 
"When stars unnumbered twinkle through the heavens to our gaze, 
With distance beyond measurement, seen in all different ways. 

And can we for a moment feel that there's no power higher; 
Nor any sphere beyond this one for which we should aspire? 
That all our fond reliance must on human kind be cast, 
Whose life is but a transient dream, then evermore is 



When creatures so inferior appreciate so far, 

Why not the copious magnitude of every shining star? 

And why not some capacity beyond our power to know, 

That may in wisdom guide them in the path that each should go? 

If there's no giand intelligence above the thoughts of man, 
What is it that exalts us so to traverse this brief span ? 
And why in all our trials does reliance rest above, 
And trembling fear seek solace through our prayers of faith arid 
love? 

Would not the sorrows of this world oft land us in despair, 
And often all our courage fail, devoid of faith and prayer? 
For even those denying God, not feeling any wrong, 
Oft pray for temporal results, most ardently and strong. 

From whence arises to the heart, the prayer for things we need, 

Not to be spoken, but confined, in order to succeed ? 

Unto what principle doth go the deep desires we feel, 

And from what fountain deep doth flow the blessings of our weal? 

Who undertakes an enterprise, unhopeful of success. 
Grows weary in his indolence, or labors in distress ; 
But when some kind encouragement assures him of his share, 
His mind is filled with energy, and heart with hope and prayer. 

Rob from us suffering mortals this grand principle of hope, 
There's not an obstacle in life with which we'd dare to cope; 
Nor would in any enterprise be willing to engage, 
But each would in discouragement write finis on his page. 



162 nature's harmony. 

But do we scarcely ever dream, on whom our hopes may rest, 
Or stop to reason from what source our hearts are to be blest? 
And yet we're conscious if no force were exercised to gain, 
Our faith and prayer till doomsday might be offered up in vain. 

And still the monitor excites the muscles to perform, 

And fills the mind with firmness to combat the raging storm ; 

But when at last our hopes are lost we readily giv o'er, 

And sink when with a stronger faith we might hav reached the 

shore. 
Oh, how delightful then is prayer, to all who can believe, 
Since, asking with a deep desire, and working, we receive ; 
Since, wishing with all energy of faith, mind, heart, and soul, 
And striving with all diligence, we're bound to reach the goal. 

The motiv and the monitor in harmony combine, 
To stimulate the muscles for achieving the design, 
But all our fond reliance felt would quickly pass away, 
"Were there no generous principles our wishes to obey. 

No doubt that most the worshiping, with vague, delusiv prayers, 
Arose at first from selfish fears in temporal affairs ; 
But leading from the natural, so spiritual became, 
It landed millions in the gulf of superstition's shame. 

Still, religion is a sacred rite, though vague in many ways ; 
The need of such a field for thought the fruit itself displays. 
Although man's qualities were such in his primeval time, 
His doctrins for these modern days a _ e not the most sublime. 

Of course the attributes of God, as they taught and believed, 
Were of the grandest character their intellects conceived ; 
And, as a rule, what then was true to-day is true but odd — 
Each in proportion to himself was author of his god. 
Hence, those of low depravity to dreadful gods wou'd bow, 
But minds of greater moral worth such gods would not allow; 
Thus dark delusions are displayed in each religious clan, 
But 'tis no god that makes it so, but ignorance of man. 

And those who follow in the trail of vague traditions old 
Are living far behind the times, nor grander lights behold, 
"While those who seek new doctrins and proclaim some greater lord 
Plunge into new delusions as atrocious and absurd. 



MISCELLANEOUS SUMMAESf. 163 

Therefore, to reach the solid facts in heavenly faith, go slow ; 
But study laws and principles, and judge from what you know, 
Nor yield unto some lunacy of mansions in the sky — 
'Tis dangerous to shun the earth and strive to soar so high. 

Although a thousand ways are shown where air are to be blest; 
Where all our sorrows hay an end, and souls in peace may rest, 
Yet if we canvass any one, though pictured e'er so well, 
The tinsel of romantic charms departs and leaves a hell. 

If to the spirit world we soared and carefully surveyed 

The prospects for eternal joy, as fiction has displayed, 

How soon we'd view the pro and con, contrasting joy and bliss, 

And struggle as from prison there, to reach a world like this. 

'Tis but delusion of the^mind that makes the heaven so fair, 
But only is adapted for the self-same mind to share; 
But not the pleasures of such home need envy seek to rob, 
Since all who proudly pass the gate will gladly jump the job. 

You know the Indian has his heaven, which suits him to a "t," 
But all such charms wonld make a hard old place for you and 

me; 
And yet he makes it natural — more like the life he leads — 
And therefore full more rational than many other creeds. 

"What constitutes his pleasure now he wants to liv again, 
And, just like others, would escape all sorrow, grief, and pain. 
But any fancied future state our faith and hope behold 
Would grow no doubt quite tedious ere growing very old; 
For though we joined in praises and continued it in song, 
We'd tire of this monotony from such a noisy throng; 
And were we of the chosen few, invited there to shout, 
More eagerly than e'er get in we'd struggle to get out. 
So 'tis a blessing if these fancied joys we never gain. 
Since what is wholesome food for one oft proves another's 

bane; 
But of all evils that arise, what other could compare 
With the indulgence of our faith through vague and selfish 

prayer ? 

But oh, the glories of this world let each with joy receive, 
For 'tis no world of fiction, but in earnest life we liv — 



164 

In every feature just adapted to us every way, 

And 'tis no wonder we desire so long hereon to stay. 

But laws and principles hav fixed the boundaries of life; 
This transient span is short at bef i and mingled in with sirife, 
And soon or late each mortal shall approach the fatal shore, 
And when the solemn scene has passed, 'tis passed forevermore. 

But since the power that controls has ushered all things forth. 
Since from the unknown fountain we are forced upon the earth, 
In nature's possibilities the principles remain, 
Whereby this self-same consciousness may come to earth again. 

And this succession shall advance frem birth to closing scene, 
While on each side the curtain hangs to separate between ; 
And thus the soul's development ascends from sphere to sphere, 
And scarcely passes into death 'ere into lif 3 appears. 

But why return to earth again, nor scale the clouds afar, 
And seek a happier world than this upon some brilliant star ? 
Why pass through trials of the earth and suffer all its pain, 
And thus evolve from life to death and death to life again? 

Just follow and I'll tell you why, recount from age to age, 
And note the grand developments as shown on history's page ; 
The centuries are fresh* to trace, the records being fine, 
When three small vessels sailed six months to cross Atlantic's 
brine. 

Note here the vast extended wild that spread from shore to shore, 
And savage tribes that roamed hereon for centuries before ; 
And view the gradual progress since that period up to date, 
And now behold the cities vast, that dot this broad estate. 

See railroads joining shore to shore, and many more mapped 

down, 
With tracks that cross like spiderwebs, connecting town to town. 
And whereupon the trains are hurled along at rapid rate, 
And bring the news to every door, nor leaves us long to wait. 

And see the cultivated fields displaying fertil soil, 

Where man can feel a noble pride in agricultural toil, 

And watch the giant stalks collide, and bow with loaded grain, 

And wave before the gushing breeze, far o'er the rising plain. 






MISCELLANEOUS SUMMARY. 165 

And see the thronging populace with hurried steps go by, 
And hear the steady roar of feet, upon the sidewalk ply; 
And view the wealth of millionaires, in giant blocks sublime, 
And built to stand a thousand years, the common wear of time 

List to the puffing of the mills, the clicking of the wire, 
The ponderous hammer beating bars, heat by the furnace fire; 
The busy hum of factories, which scatter o'er the land, 
And many more progressing arts around on every hand. 

And these are new developments of scarce a century's time, 
And still the future promises a record more sublime ; 
So as we shall not see it all, we need not scorn the earth, 
But liv again and seek to know what future may bring forth. 

You who reflect upon the past, repenting your sad course, 
Seek from this day to mend your way, nor go from bad to 

worse ; 
Ascend the scale of moral worth, while here we may abide, 
For where we end we shall begin anew the other side. 

Select the best of moral seed, for 'tis not hard to know 
The harvest shall be of the same, " We reap from what we sow." 
The thistles, tares, and noxkms weeds no culture need be shown ; 
They grow luxuriant and rank, while fought to be kept down. 

All labor has its just reward, all virtue has its pay, 
"While vice and folly set us back upon our former way; 
Thus all who would in glory rise to fill that grander sphere, 
May well improve the present, for the future fast draws near. 



